Senior Engineer – Referable Dams

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 107,734 - 134,575; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Subsidised health memberships

Up to 5 weeks annual leave

Personal leave benefits

Paid parental leave

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

A regional local government in Queensland seeks a qualified professional to lead dam safety management. This role involves overseeing engineering activities, conducting assessments, and working collaboratively with other teams. Applicants should have a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), demonstrated experience in dam safety engineering, and strong problem-solving skills. The position offers a competitive salary with benefits such as flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for membership of Engineers Australia / Professionals Australia.
• Strong knowledge of dam safety frameworks and ANCOLD guidelines.
• Demonstrated capability in routine inspections.

Responsibilities

• Lead dam safety management program across referable dams.
• Oversee engineering activities for safe operation and monitoring.
• Conduct routine inspections and critical safety assessments.

Skills

Dam safety engineering

Communication skills

Problem solving

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ)

Job description

Salary Range: $107,734.01 - $134,575.52 per annum

Position Type: Full Time, Permanent

Location: 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Sunday 1st February 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Play a leading role in safeguarding our region’s critical water infrastructure as Council’s trusted authority on dam safety.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll be Council’s lead authority on dam safety, driving the delivery of our dam safety management program across all referable dams. In this role you will:
• Oversee engineering activities that support the safe operation, monitoring and performance of Council’s dams.
• Conduct and document routine inspections, monitoring programs and critical safety assessments.
• Coordinate periodic and comprehensive dam inspections, safety reviews and emergency preparedness activities.
• Identify risks, assess critical indicators, and provide expert engineering advice on dam safety decisions.
• Lead and deliver capital works that maintain dam and structural integrity.
• Maintain key documentation such as Dam Data Books, Operation and Maintenance Manuals and Registers.
• Work closely with internal teams and external specialists, including engagement of Dam Technical Advisors.
• Support emergency response decision making and contribute to Emergency Action Plan reviews and scenario testing.
• Manage relevant consultancies, ensuring quality, cost control and compliance with Council policies.
• Conduct Level 1 condition assessments of above ground concrete structures.
• Champion good WHS practices, customer service principles, and strong recordkeeping standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and eligibility for membership of Engineers Australia / Professionals Australia.
• Demonstrated capability in dam safety engineering, including routine inspections and interpretation of dam performance.
• Strong knowledge of dam safety frameworks, relevant legislation and ANCOLD guidelines.
• Proven ability to manage safety systems, make informed engineering decisions and elevate risks appropriately.
• High level communication skills, able to explain technical issues clearly to both technical and non technical audiences.
• Strong written skills with the ability to produce concise, accurate technical documentation.
• Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ).

You’ll also bring

• Initiative and problem solving capability when assessing technical issues.
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders, specialists and internal teams.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to safety, customer service and compliance.

Some benefits we offer

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well‑being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Relocation assistance may be available for preferred candidates.

We are committed to

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support

Now we want to hear about YOU

Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.

For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.

Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:

Phone: [phone]

Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council