Principal Hydrogeologist - Groundwater Modelling

Gather Recruitment; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary negotiable

12% super

Annual bonus

Hybrid working

Brisbane/Perth office

Job summary

Gather Recruitment is seeking a Principal/Senior Hydrogeologist to lead groundwater modelling for a specialist mine water consultancy. Based in Brisbane or Perth with hybrid work, you will drive numerical modelling and hydrogeology projects across Australia and internationally, mentoring a growing team and working directly with mining clients.

The role blends modelling with fieldwork, project delivery, and client management, aiming to enhance the water services business and support the Canadian

Qualifications

• Degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental science or similar.
• Around 12+ years in hydrogeology with a mining focus.
• Hands-on numerical groundwater modelling using MODFLOW (FEFLOW acceptable).
• Experience leading groundwater projects and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead groundwater modelling for mine dewatering, pit inflows, water supply and groundwater impact assessments.
• Build, calibrate and run numerical groundwater models and review them.
• Run hydrogeological investigations and projects from scoping to reporting.
• Site visits, field programmes, aquifer testing and monitoring network design.
• Write and review technical reports, proposals and regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior hydrogeologists and help grow the modelling team.

Skills

Groundwater modelling

MODFLOW

FEFLOW

Project leadership

Client management

Education

Degree in hydrogeology/geology/environmental science

Tools

MODFLOW

FEFLOW

Python

QGIS

GoldSim

Job description

Principal / Senior Hydrogeologist with strong groundwater modelling skills (MODFLOW / FEFLOW) wanted to lead the modelling work for a specialist mine water consultancy. Perth or Brisbane, hybrid, mining focus.

My client is a well-established specialist consultancy working in mine water, hydrogeology, geochemistry and closure. They have a strong name in their niche, a lot of repeat mining clients, and groundwater projects across Australia and overseas,

They need an experienced hydrogeologist who can properly drive the groundwater modelling tools and lead that side of the business. The team already covers the field and practical hydrogeology. This role adds the numerical modelling capability, and over time builds a modelling team around it.

It is not a pure modelling role. Groundwater modelling will be around a third of the job to start. The rest is running hydrogeology projects, field work, conceptual models and client work. It would suit an expert hydrogeologist who models, rather than a modeller who does a bit of hydro.

The role could sit at Technical Lead or Principal Hydrogeologist level, depending on experience.

The role

• Lead groundwater modelling for mine dewatering, pit inflows, water supply and groundwater impact assessments
• Build, calibrate and run numerical groundwater models yourself, as well as conceptualising and reviewing them
• Run hydrogeological investigations and projects from scoping and budget through to reporting
• Site visits, field programmes, aquifer testing (pumping tests) and groundwater monitoring network design
• Write and review technical reports, proposals and regulatory submissions
• Work directly with mining clients and help grow the water services business, including supporting the Canadian team
• Mentor less experienced hydrogeologists and build up a modelling team over time

What you’ll need

• Degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental science or similar
• Around 12+ years in hydrogeology with a strong mining focus - consulting, mining company or both
• Hands-on numerical groundwater modelling, ideally in MODFLOW (FEFLOW is also fine)
• Experience leading groundwater projects and managing client relationships
• Direct mining experience
• Working knowledge of groundwater licensing and regulation in WA, Qld and/or NT
• Good technical report writing

Nice to have

• GoldSim
• Python or other scripting, and QGIS
• Hydrogeochemistry (PHREEQC), water balance modelling or mine closure experience
• An established industry network

What’s on offer

• Salary negotiable depending on experience, plus 12% super and an annual bonus
• Perth or Brisbane office (Sydney possible for the right person), with hybrid working
• Lead the groundwater modelling function and shape how it grows
• Mostly mining work across a range of commodities, for juniors through to the majors
• International project work
• A small, specialist, technically strong team with direct access to the principals
• Support for conferences, training and professional development

This role is only open to candidates currently based in Australia with suitable working rights.