Senior / Principal Hydrogeologist - Groundwater Modelling Lead

Gather Recruitment; Brisbane, Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary negotiable

Annual bonus

Hybrid work

International projects

Professional development support

Access to principals

Job summary

Gather Recruitment is seeking an experienced hydrogeologist to lead groundwater modelling within a specialist mining environment in Australia. You will drive modelling capability, oversee dewatering, pit inflows and water supply assessments, and mentor a modelling team as the function grows.

The role blends hands-on modelling with project delivery, fieldwork, and client engagement, offering hybrid work arrangements and opportunities across WA, Qld, and international projects.

Qualifications

• A degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental science or similar.
• Around 12–20 years in hydrogeology with a strong mining focus.
• Hands-on numerical groundwater modelling, ideally in MODFLOW (FEFLOW is also fine).
• Experience leading groundwater projects and managing client relationships.
• Direct mine site experience and working knowledge of groundwater regulation in WA, Qld and/or overseas.
• Strong technical writing skills; report quality is critical.

Responsibilities

• Lead the groundwater modelling work for the business for dewatering, pit inflows and water supply assessments.
• Build and run models yourself, and provide review and conceptualisation.
• Run hydrogeological investigations and projects from scoping and budgeting through to reporting.
• Site visits, field programmes, aquifer testing and monitoring network design.
• Write and review technical reports, proposals and regulatory submissions.
• Work with clients and help grow the water services side of the business, including supporting the Canadian team.
• Mentor less experienced hydrogeologists and build a modelling team.

Skills

Groundwater modelling

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Field investigations

Education

Degree in hydrogeology/geology/environmental science

Tools

MODFLOW

FEFLOW

GoldSim

Python

QGIS

Job description

My client is a well-established specialist consultancy working in mine water, geochemistry and closure. They have a strong name in their niche, a lot of repeat mining clients, and project work across Australia and overseas

They are looking for an experienced hydrogeologist with strong groundwater modelling skills to lead the modelling side of the business. The team already has the practical and field side covered. What they are missing is someone who can properly drive the modelling tools, and then build a modelling capability around them over time.

This is not a role for someone who just wants to sit and model all day. Modelling will probably be around a third of the job to start, and the rest is running projects, field work, conceptualisation and client work. It would suit an expert hydrogeologist who models, rather than a modeller who does a bit of hydro.

The role could sit at Technical Lead or Principal level, depending on experience.

The role

• Lead the groundwater modelling work for the business - dewatering, pit inflows, water supply and impact assessments
• Build and run models yourself, as well as conceptualising and reviewing them
• Run hydrogeological investigations and projects from scoping and budget through to reporting
• Site visits, field programmes, aquifer testing and monitoring network design
• Write and review technical reports, proposals and regulatory submissions
• Work directly with clients and help grow the water services side of the business, including supporting the Canadian team
• Mentor less experienced hydrogeologists and, over time, build up a modelling team

What you'll need

• A degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental science or similar
• Around 12 - 20 years in hydrogeology with a strong mining focus - consulting, mining company or a mix of both
• Hands‑on numerical groundwater modelling, ideally in MODFLOW (FEFLOW is also fine)
• Experience leading groundwater projects and managing client relationships
• Direct mine site experience
• Working knowledge of groundwater regulation in WA, Qld and/or overseas
• Good technical writing - the report is the product

Nice to have

• GoldSim
• Python or other scripting, and QGIS
• Hydrogeochemistry (PHREEQC or similar), water balance or mine closure work
• An established industry network

What's on offer

• Salary negotiable depending on experience, plus 12% super and an annual bonus
• Perth or Brisbane office (Sydney possible for the right person), with hybrid working
• The chance to lead the modelling function and shape how it grows
• Mostly mining work across a range of commodities, for juniors through to the majors
• International project work
• A small, specialist, technically strong team with direct access to the principals
• Support for conferences, training and professional development

Please note, this role is only open to candidates currently based in Australia with suitable working rights.