Senior Hydrogeologist - Groundwater Modeller

IRIS Corporation; Newcastle; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Wellbeing days

Professional development

Job summary

AGE is seeking a senior groundwater modeller for Newcastle to join the national team of over 40 groundwater specialists. You will take ownership of modelling projects from concept to calibration, applying MODFLOW and PEST, and delivering uncertainty analyses for mining proposals.

You will work with Python, collaborate across offices, support NSW approvals, and relocation if needed. Remote arrangements are possible for highly capable candidates with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in geology or related engineering/science discipline.
• Strong Python skills and ability to implement modelling workflows.
• Experience building and calibrating groundwater models independently.

Responsibilities

• Work on major NSW mining proposals to support approvals decisions.
• Take models from conceptualisation through design, calibration and uncertainty analysis using MODFLOW and PEST.
• Keep the numerical model true to the conceptual model and explain results clearly.
• Script, process data, automate tasks and incorporate AI as we build and run models.

Skills

Python programming

Analytical thinking

Education

Geology or related field degree

Tools

MODFLOW

PEST

Job description

A more complex model isn’t always a better one. We build models that are fit for purpose, grounded in sound conceptualisation, and useful well beyond a single approval.

This new full time senior role has been created because demand for our work continues to grow. You’ll be the Newcastle team’s second dedicated groundwater modeller, with access to AGE’s full national bench, including the largest consulting groundwater modelling team in the country. Our modellers bring specialities from Python and Fortran coding to history matching, uncertainty analysis, groundwater-surface water interaction and solute transport modelling. Together, we apply and keep advancing the techniques behind uncertainty-aware modelling that supports key decisions.

What You’ll Do

• Work on major NSW mining proposals, where models support approvals decisions and every assumption needs to hold up
• Take models from conceptualisation through design, calibration and uncertainty analysis using MODFLOW and PEST
• Keep the numerical model true to the conceptual model, and explain clearly what the results show
• Script, process data, automate repetitive tasks and incorporate artificial intelligence, as we build, run and process models with our own code

One Team, National Expertise

You’ll be part of a national team of over 40 groundwater specialists, including more than 15 numerical modellers, as well as experts in conceptualisation, geochemistry, data science, GIS and field operations. Wherever you sit, that expertise is there when a project calls for it, whether it’s a second opinion on a calibration approach, a geochemistry question or help with a tricky dataset.

We share information openly and deliberately. Our Communities of Practice bring people together across offices with a structured focus on innovation, knowledge sharing, technical advancement and best practice. Modellers compare methods, test new approaches and build shared code the whole business uses.

About You

You’ll have a degree in geology or a related engineering or science discipline, and a solid track record of building and calibrating MODFLOW models independently. Strong Python skills are essential. Experience with NSW approvals, ideally on mining projects, will be highly valued, as will analytical modelling skills. You’ll explain complex results in plain language to project teams and clients, and be the person colleagues turn to for guidance on model design and conceptualisation.

With an adaptable approach, you’ll be a natural collaborator who also takes ownership of your work and drives it through to high quality results.

You’ll need to reside in Australia and either hold, or be close to independently attaining Australian permanent residency.

Location

Our preference is for this role to be based in Newcastle, and we’ll support your relocation if you’re moving from elsewhere in Australia.

For the right candidate, we’re also open to a remote arrangement if you can demonstrate very strong, proactive communication skills, a track record of delivering independently, and a solid commitment to being an interactive part of the team, even from a distance.

Why AGE

In addition to the career and technical advantages above, as part of a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, you’ll receive:

• A competitive salary and performance based incentive scheme across company, region and individual results
• Dedicated professional development time and a personalised career development plan
• Hybrid work and flexibility, plus four additional Wellbeing Days (leave) each year
• The option to purchase extra leave, enhanced paid parental leave and a working abroad policy
• An annual wellbeing allowance and Employee Assistance Program

Most importantly, AGE is a place where people feel safe being themselves. We are proud of the inclusive culture our people have built, where different perspectives are respected and questions are welcomed. Our employee-led CARE Collective (Culture, Access, Respect and Equity) helps us keep that culture active and visible, not just declared.