Principal Water Planner

Department of Industry; Newcastle; Hybrid; ZAR 2 410 000 - 2 788 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in South Africa, located in KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Principal Water Planner to lead sustainable water management initiatives. The ideal candidate will have expertise in water planning and policy, strong leadership skills, and the ability to provide informed advice. The role offers a full-time contract with a salary range between $149,739 and $173,174, and supports hybrid working. Applications close on January 28, 2026.

Qualifications

• Strategic leader with expertise in water planning and policy.
• Strong leadership skills to guide teams and influence outcomes.
• Comprehensive understanding of water priorities and trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Minimum Inflows Project and provide subject matter expertise.
• Develop policies and programs for water management.
• Provide evidence-based advice to stakeholders.

Skills

GIS

JAWS

Military Experience

Business Management

Emergency Management

Joint Operations

Production Planning

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

ERP Systems

Exercise Planning

MRP

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

Use your leadership and water planning skills to contribute to sustainable water planning and management for the environment and communities of NSW

• Permanent full-time opportunity at 35 hours per week plus FlexTime
• Located in Newcastle Parramatta or NSW office location by negotiation with hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $149,739 to $173,174 super

The Water Groups Water Planning team are currently seeking to appoint a Principal Water Planner to lead the Minimum Inflows Project and provide water planning and assessment subject matter expertise and leadership providing knowledge transfer to support the delivery and implementation of the water reform program consistent with State and Federal water management legislation, government directions, obligations and commitments.

About You

You are a strategic leader with expertise in water planning and policy. You thrive on providing consistent, current and informed advice to government and non-government stakeholders ensuring decisions are evidence-based and aligned with best practice.

Your strong leadership skills enable you to guide teams and influence outcomes across complex projects. You foster collaboration, building productive relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals and navigate competing priorities.

You maintain a comprehensive understanding of water priorities, strategic directions, reforms and emerging trends using this insight to shape practical, forward‑looking solutions. You excel at developing policies, strategies and programs that balance multiple issues with sensitivity to stakeholder relationships, resource requirements and service delivery impacts.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Water Planner

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy powered by affordable, reliable and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW National Park estate including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.

To Apply

If excited by the information above we look forward to receiving your application including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 11:55pm.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Julie Lovell, Principal Water Planner, Water Group, DCCEEW.

Additional information

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI community and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying:

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability.
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing Eloise Fleck (please mention reference number 546892).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [link].

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Key Skills & Requirements

• GIS
• JAWS
• Military Experience
• Business Management
• Emergency Management
• Joint Operations
• Production Planning
• Relationship Management
• Strategic Planning
• ERP Systems
• Exercise Planning
• MRP

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: $149,739 - $173,174