Senior Waterways Engineer: Flood Modelling & Strategy

Council Jobs; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 18% superannuation

Salary sacrificing options

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing initiatives

Lifestyle benefits

Corporate discounts

Active social clubs

Job summary

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a Principal Waterways Engineer to lead flood and stormwater initiatives across the Mackay region. The role focuses on modelling, advisory work and long-term infrastructure strategies to support community resilience and development decisions.

The position, within the Strategic Planning program, involves senior leadership engagement, policy development and cross‑team coordination to deliver evidence-based outcomes through to March 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, design and construction of public infrastructure with hydrologic/hydraulic modelling.
• Knowledge of engineering design standards and risk management principles.
• Understanding of trunk infrastructure financial implications and long-term planning.
• Knowledge of Queensland Urban Drainage Manual and Australian Rainfall & Runoff.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and reports.
• Strong analytical, reporting and business case development skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, review and implementation of flood mitigation and stormwater management strategies.
• Undertake and manage flood modelling activities across the Mackay LGA, coordinating with external consultants.
• Support development of asset management strategies for flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure.
• Assist with Local Government Infrastructure Plan preparation, including service standards and cost impacts.
• Contribute to infrastructure planning policies and design guidelines.
• Provide authoritative flood, stormwater and infrastructure planning advice to senior leaders and project teams.
• Prepare technical reports and briefing materials for Council under regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinate technical consultation with internal teams, agencies, developers and the community.

Skills

Hydraulic modelling

Standards & risk

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Technical communication

Plan interpretation

Multi-project leadership

QLD driver licence

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Tools

XPRafts

TUFLOW

Job description

Mackay Regional Council is seeking a Principal Waterways Engineer to lead flood and stormwater initiatives across the Mackay region. The role focuses on modelling, advisory work and long-term infrastructure strategies to support community resilience and development decisions.

The position, within the Strategic Planning program, involves senior leadership engagement, policy development and cross‑team coordination to deliver evidence-based outcomes through to March 2027.