Water Operations Officer

Bureau of Meteorology; Sydney; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Water Operational Officer at the Bureau of Meteorology in Sydney supports national flood forecasting, risk assessment and warnings through the NWOT, in a 24/7 operational environment. This role ensures timely information for decision makers and the community.

The position emphasizes collaboration across EPS Flood & Water and other teams, contributing to forecasting tool development, process improvements and training, with extended hours during significant flood events.

Qualifications

• Strong operational flood forecasting expertise.
• Ability to perform effectively under high pressure and in dynamic environments.
• Ability to collaborate across operational teams.
• Willingness to participate in a rotating 24/7 roster.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of national flood forecasting, risk assessment and warnings through NWOT.
• Maintain situational awareness and assist critical decision-making.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of forecasting capability through project work and training.
• Work in a 24/7 rostered environment, including shift work provisions.

Job description

Australia is increasingly affected by severe weather and flood events, creating a growing need for accurate forecasting and timely warnings to support community safety and resilience.

To meet this need, the Community Services Group (CSG) delivers customer-focused, integrated and resilient operational services across Australia. CSG comprises Environmental Prediction Services (EPS), Decision Support Services (DSS) and National Production Services (NPS), enabling the delivery of a wide range of products and services that provide significant value to the Australian community.

The Water Operational Officer is a key role within Environmental Prediction Services (EPS) Flood & Water, responsible for supporting the delivery of national flood forecasting, risk assessment and warning services through the National Water Operations Team (NWOT). Working within a 24/7 rostered operational environment, the role maintains situational awareness, supports critical decision-making, and helps ensure the delivery of high-quality services to the Australian community during routine operations and significant weather events.

Beyond operational duties, the role contributes to the continuous improvement of the Bureau's flood forecasting capability through project work, process enhancement, training, and the development of forecasting tools and practices. Success in this role requires strong operational flood forecasting expertise, the ability to perform effectively in dynamic and high-pressure environments, and a commitment to collaboration across operational teams.

This position forms part of the NWOT's 24/7 roster and requires participation in a rotating schedule that includes days, nights, weekends and public holidays. Employees undertaking this role are eligible for the shift work provisions outlined in the Bureau of Meteorology Enterprise Agreement, including shift penalties while working rostered shifts, applicable shift-related payments during annual leave, and additional leave entitlements associated with continuous shift work.

To be successful in this role, you will have a good understanding of operational flood forecasting and the total flood warning system. You will possess a sound ability to excel in high pressure, complex and dynamic operating environments such a during severe weather events. Flexibility and a commitment to supporting operations during periods of elevated flood risk will be essential. Due to the operational nature of CSG, reasonable additional hours outside the scope of routine shifts are required to support flood forecasting and warning services, particularly during significant flood events.