Water Engineer

South32; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Superannuation (14%)

Share plans

On-site facilities

Job summary

South32 is seeking a Water Engineer for a permanent full-time FIFO role from Darwin or Cairns. You will provide technical expertise in surface water management, hydrology and water infrastructure planning to support safe, compliant and sustainable mining operations.

Responsibilities include developing surface water strategies, leading wet season readiness, assessing flood/erosion risks and coordinating water infrastructure with future mine plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Water Engineering or related discipline.
• Project Management qualification or equivalent.
• C Class Driver's Licence.
• Experience in surface water management in mining or heavy industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop surface water strategies, plans and technical standards.
• Lead wet season readiness assessments and prioritized work programs.
• Assess flood, erosion, sedimentation and discharge risks.
• Coordinate water infrastructure solutions aligned with future mine plans.

Skills

Surface water management

Hydrology & hydraulics

Problem solving & risk assessment

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Environmental/Water Engineering

Project Management qualification

C Class Driver's Licence

Job description

At South32, we're meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there's no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we're making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we'll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT GEMCO

Located on the tropical Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, GEMCO is an open-cut mine that is accountable for over 20% of the world's manganese ore production. Groote Eylandt is home to the Anindilyakwa people, who are the traditional owners of the land and have been working alongside GEMCO since 1963

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• 26 weeks full-paid, or 52 weeks half-paid parental leave for primary carers
• 14% superannuation contributions
• The opportunity to become a shareholder of South32 through our share plans
• Excellent facilities including gym, beachside workout area, swimming pool, golf course, tennis and squash courts, sports oval, and scenic walking tracks

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a permanent full-time position on a 4:3 (Monday to Thursday) roster FIFO from Darwin or Cairns.

As the Water Engineer You will be responsible for providing technical expertise in surface water management, hydrology and water infrastructure planning to support safe, compliant and sustainable operations.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Develop surface water strategies, plans and technical standards.
• Lead wet season readiness assessments and prioritised work programs.
• Assess flood, erosion, sedimentation and discharge risks.
• Coordinate water infrastructure solutions aligned with future mine plans.

ABOUT YOU

• Surface water management and infrastructure design within mining or heavy industry.
• Hydrology, hydraulic assessments, erosion and sediment control.
• Strong problem-solving, risk assessment and technical planning capability.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and management of specialist consultants.

Qualifications for this position are:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Environmental or Water Engineering, Hydrology or a related discipline.
• Project Management qualification, where held as the formal requirement.
• Current C Class Driver's Licence.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

This job advert will close on 18 November 2026.