Senior Manager — Groundwater Modelling & Strategy (Hybrid)

Water and Catchments - DEECA; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Water and Catchments - DEECA in Melbourne, VIC, is seeking a Senior Manager Groundwater Assessment and Modelling to lead the team delivering evidence, analysis and advice for groundwater-management decisions.

You will integrate hydrogeology, groundwater assessment and modelling with policy, regulation and governance, drive major programs and collaborate with DEECA, rural water corporations and national partners.

Qualifications

• Senior-level knowledge of hydrogeology, groundwater assessment, monitoring and modelling.
• Experience leading a complex portfolio of technical, policy and project work in government or regulatory settings.
• Budget, consultants and technical assurance management experience.
• Understanding of Victoria's water-resource management or equivalent frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team delivering evidence, analysis and advice for groundwater-management decisions.
• Integrate hydrogeology with policy, regulation, governance and implementation.
• Build collaborations with DEECA, rural water corporations, interstate and national agencies and partners.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Groundwater modelling

Policy & governance

Budget & consultancy management

Education

Hydrogeology or related degree

Job description

Senior Manager Groundwater Assessment and Modelling

Water and Catchments - DEECA – Melbourne VIC

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

The Senior Manager, Groundwater Assessment and Modelling leads the team responsible for providing the evidence, analysis and advice needed for informed, practical and defensible groundwater-management decisions in Victoria. The position integrates hydrogeology, groundwater assessment and modelling with policy, regulation, governance and implementation; leads significant programs and investment; provides authoritative advice to executives and the Minister; and builds collaborative relationships across DEECA, rural water corporations, interstate and national agencies, industry and technical partners.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in hydrogeology, geology, earth science, environmental science, engineering, water resources or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated senior-level knowledge of hydrogeology, groundwater assessment, monitoring and/or modelling, and the application of evidence to groundwater resource management.
• Demonstrated experience leading a complex portfolio of technical, policy and project work in a government, regulatory or similarly complex environment, including management of budgets, consultants and technical assurance.
• Sound understanding of Victoria's water-resource management, entitlement and licensing frameworks, or demonstrated ability to rapidly apply comparable statutory and policy frameworks.

This is a fixed term position available until 22 February 2028. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply' button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.

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