Senior Dam Engineer

Victorian Government; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Dams Engineer role with the Victorian Government's DEECA requires providing authoritative geotechnical engineering expertise to support regulation of mines and quarries, with a focus on tailings and slimes dams. You will work with regulators, industry and internal stakeholders to inform policy, regulatory decisions and risk mitigation across the lifecycle of mining projects.

Applicants should have a tertiary engineering degree and extensive experience in major dam design and safety

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in engineering or related discipline is mandatory.
• Extensive experience in major dam design, construction and dam safety reviews.
• Expertise in tailings and dam engineering and risk assessment methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative geotechnical expertise to support regulation of mines and quarries, focusing on tailings dams and related structures.
• Advise on regulatory decisions, policy development and consistent application of regulatory practices.
• Identify, assess and manage geotechnical risks across the mining and quarrying lifecycle.

Skills

Dam engineering

Geotechnical risk assessment

Regulatory advisory

Public safety awareness

Education

Tertiary engineering degree

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 2530

The Senior Dams Engineer provides authoritative geotechnical engineering expertise to support Resources Victoria’s regulation of mines and quarries, with a focus on tailings and slimes dams and associated structures.

Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders, co-regulators and industry, the Senior Dams Engineer provides specialist technical advice to inform regulatory decision‑making, policy development and consistent application of regulatory practices. This supports the effective identification, assessment and management of geotechnical risks across the mining and quarrying lifecycle, contributing to the protection of public safety, infrastructure and the environment.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in engineering or a related discipline with demonstrated experience in civil, water resources, or structural engineering is mandatory.
• Extensive experience in major engineering design, construction and managed dam safety reviews and/or technical advisory roles within a consultancy and/or regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in tailings and dam engineering, including knowledge of different retaining methods and relevant standards and guidelines and their application.
• Strong understanding and application of qualitative and/or quantitative risk assessment methodologies, particularly in relation to geotechnical and dam safety risks.
• Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice and influence regulatory or operational decision sin complex and high‑risk environments.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Malvern with hybrid work arrangements available.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 01 November 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre‑employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail] .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part‑time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .

Applications close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11.59pm