Principal Water Engineer / Hydrogeologist

Talison Lithium; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Income protection

Life insurance

Parental leave

Salary sacrifice routing

Site incentive

Job summary

Talison Lithium Pty Ltd invites applications for a Principal Water Engineer to lead water management at Greenbushes Lithium Operation. You will direct groundwater, surface water, mine water and water quality strategies, influencing planning and regulatory engagement.

Expect cross-disciplinary collaboration and high-visibility influence on capital projects and mine development. Reporting to the Approvals & Compliance Manager, the role requires 10+ years in groundwater/water management within

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or demonstrated experience in hydrogeology or water resources.
• Extensive groundwater and integrated water management experience in mining or heavy industry.
• Strong modelling and water balance capabilities.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading integrated water management across groundwater, surface water, mine water and operational water requirements
• Maintaining and developing site water balance, hydrogeological, hydrological and water quality models to support operational and future planning
• Identifying and managing emerging water-related risks and opportunities through analysis of monitoring and modelling data
• Providing technical input to mine planning, tailings facilities, processing operations, infrastructure projects and future mine development activities
• Supporting environmental approvals, regulatory compliance and regulator engagement relating to water management
• Managing specialist consultants and technical studies to deliver high-quality water management outcomes
• Collaborating across multiple disciplines to improve water efficiency, water security and sustainable operational performance

Skills

Hydrogeology

Water resources

Groundwater modelling

Hydrology

Data interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in hydrogeology, water resources, environmental engineering, geology or related discipline

Job description

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Location: Perth or Greenbushes, Australia

Company: Talison Lithium Pty Ltd

Greenbushes Lithium Operation

Full‑Time Position

(Perth hybrid (site travel) or Greenbushes)

Lithium plays a critical role in the transition to clean energy, and Talison Lithium is the world’s leading lithium minerals producer with the largest high‑grade ore body in the world - join us and be a part of the transition.

This is an opportunity to lead water and hydrogeological projects for Australia's largest lithium mining operation that is helping meet growing global demand for critical minerals - join us and be a part of the transition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Approvals & Compliance Manager, this newly created role is an outstanding opportunity for a senior Water Engineer or Hydrogeologist to become Talison's principal technical resource for integrated water management at the Greenbushes Lithium Operation.

As Principal Water Engineer, you will lead water management strategy across groundwater, surface water, mine water and water quality, influencing operational decision‑making, major capital projects, regulatory approvals and long‑term mine development. The role offers significant visibility across the business and the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable growth of a globally significant operation.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading integrated water management across groundwater, surface water, mine water and operational water requirements
• Maintaining and developing site water balance, hydrogeological, hydrological and water quality models to support operational and future planning
• Identifying and managing emerging water‑related risks and opportunities through analysis of monitoring and modelling data
• Providing technical input to mine planning, tailings facilities, processing operations, infrastructure projects and future mine development activities
• Supporting environmental approvals, regulatory compliance and regulator engagement relating to water management
• Managing specialist consultants and technical studies to deliver high‑quality water management outcomes
• Collaborating across multiple disciplines to improve water efficiency, water security and sustainable operational performance

About the Candidate:

• Tertiary qualifications in hydrogeology, water resources, environmental engineering, geology or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in groundwater and integrated water management within mining, resources or heavy industry environments (10+ years)
• Strong technical expertise in hydrogeology, hydrology, water balance development and water quality assessment
• Experience applying water management principles to operational, project and mine planning environments
• Ability to interpret complex technical data and provide practical advice to operational and leadership teams
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills

Some of the many benefits of working with Talison include:

• Flexible working environment
• Income protection insurance
• Life Insurance for company superannuation employees
• Competitive parental leave policy
• Salary sacrifice options for remote area housing, motor vehicles and superannuation
• Participation in site performance‑based incentive scheme

About Talison Lithium:

Talison Lithium operates the Greenbushes Lithium Operation, the world's largest known hard‑rock lithium deposit. As a critical supplier of minerals supporting the global energy transition, we are committed to operating safely, responsibly and sustainably while creating long‑term value for our people, communities and other stakeholders.

Mining has been part of Greenbushes for more than 138 years. We work closely with local communities, Traditional Owners, government and industry to support regional development, environmental stewardship and lasting partnerships.

Join a collaborative, values‑driven organisation and contribute to technically challenging projects that are shaping the future of one of the world's most significant critical minerals operations.

Supporting a diverse workforce:

Talison Lithium strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of work experience. Talison Lithium takes pride in its unique location and the excellent work/life balance offering that our employees enjoy. Talison Lithium recognises that we are strengthened by diversity and is committed to providing a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all genders, cultures and identities.