Lead strategic engineer - water

Our vision is powered by a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of services we offer to our community. Today, Lismore is flourishing, and it's the perfect time for those who live, work, and play here to embrace and celebrate everything that makes Lismore so special.

About this Position

The Lead Strategic Engineer (Water) is responsible for providing high‐level technical, strategic, and leadership direction to guide Council's long‐term infrastructure and water management planning. The role's primary function is to ensure that engineering decisions, asset management practices, and capital investments—across all infrastructure and waste services—are strategically aligned with Council's long‐term plans, community needs, sustainability goals, and legislative obligations.

What we can offer you

• 3.5% Civil Liability Allowance for qualified Engineers
• A permanent position with meaningful community impact
• Flexible work options working within operational requirements.
• Employee Assistance and Health & Wellbeing Programs.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Discounted membership to a range of gym and pool facilities

What we trust you to deliver

• Demonstrated extensive experience and ability to lead a team to deliver services aligned to the business activities of the team.
• Extensive experience in strategic water infrastructure and asset management planning.
• Strong knowledge of Australian Standards, WSAA codes, and water industry legislation.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and review long‐term water and drainage strategies.
• Familiarity with local government planning, asset management frameworks, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated skills in hydraulic modelling, data analysis, and evidence‐based decision‐making.
• Commitment to sustainability, innovation, and integrated water management principles.
• Leadership experience in mentoring and developing staff within a local government environment

What you will need to be successful

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Civil or Environmental Engineering (or related discipline).
• Postgraduate qualifications in engineering are desirable.
• Membership of an appropriate professional institute e.g. Engineers Australia
• General Construction Induction Card (White card)
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Qualification in Project Management (highly regarded) or suitable demonstrated experience

Salary

From $113,927 to $131,016 per annum plus superannuation

Closing date

Monday 29 June 2026 at 4:00pm

Contact

If you want to know more about this opportunity, please contact Kimberley Taylor, Acting Manager Engineering on 0487 110 612.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of employment are in the Local Government (State) Award and relevant Council policy, procedures and agreements.

Pre‐employment Screening

Prior to employment, there will be a series of pre‐employment checks that may include health assessments, validation of right to work in Australia, validation of qualifications and licences, criminal history checks, psychometric assessments and referee checks.

Immunisation Program

Council has an immunisation program to provide employees with vaccinations against known health risks associated with their respective duties and to identify any exposure to products that may affect an employee's health, fitness and wellbeing. This position has been identified as a risk to the employee and as such the successful applicant(s) will be required to participate in the immunisation program and it is the applicant's responsibility to have undertaken relevant immunisation(s) prior to commencement with Council.

Diversity and Inclusion

We care about people as individuals and are committed to diversity, inclusion, and new ways of working. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Employment Opportunity data collection is voluntary. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will only be used as statistical information to assist with equity and diversity policy development.