The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV), previously known as the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, is at the forefront of driving sustainable growth across Queensland. Our mission is to manage water resources responsibly and empower councils to support and grow Queensland communities. With over 700 dedicated professionals across Brisbane and regional offices, we work tirelessly to ensure that Queensland's communities, businesses, and water resources thrive.
The RoleOperating from within North Region, you will be involved in the development of cutting-edge management solutions and policy for the development of water planning instruments under the Water Act 2000. The principal water planning officer is responsible for leading a small team and guiding policy decisions on water planning documents, allocating project task priorities, and advising leadership on water planning issues and risks.
Key Duties and Accountabilities
* Lead water planning projects such as development of contemporary water plans and water management protocols in consultation with stakeholders and consideration of best available science.
* Identify emerging issues, policy and planning needs in water resource management and provide expert strategic advice to senior management relevant to the delivery of outcomes for the sustainable management and use of Queensland's natural resources.
* Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of complex reports, policy submissions, briefing notes, presentations, speeches, publications and correspondence for Cabinet, State Committees, Industry/Stakeholder Groups, the Minister and senior departmental management.
* Plan, coordinate and supervise the development and implementation of water plans and other planning instruments relating to sustainable resource management.
* Understand, interpret and steer development of hydrologic, socioeconomic,ecologic and cultural values assessments and how they relate to water planning.
* Develop, manage and/or oversee multi-disciplinary projects, including consultation with stakeholders, to deliver policy outcomes that are consistent with the overall policy direction of the Queensland Government.
* Develop and maintain constructive working relationships and networks with clients and stakeholders. Work collaboratively and negotiate with colleagues and with other levels of government, industry and non-government organisations to achieve policy outcomes and deliver on Government commitments.
* Represent the Department and the Queensland Government at external forums and on inter-agency and inter-jurisdictional working parties.
* Other duties as directed and required.
About You
* Hold a bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Environmental Science, Biology, Applied Science, Natural Resource Management or a degree qualification in hydrology, groundwater modelling, geology, engineering, geoscience, science. Agreed equivalents will be accepted.
* Project management and prioritisation skills.
* Well developed communication skills to negotiate with key stakeholders and provide input into discussion papers, cabinet submissions, media publications and policy to support state and national initiatives.
* Ability to lead and work collaboratively with the team to inspire collective ownership of quality outcomes.
* Pursues continuous growth and development for team members.
* This position may require overnight travel as part of the fulfilment of the role. This may involve travel outside of normal office hours and/or overnight accommodation for extended periods.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/664041/25
Closing Date: Monday, 20th Ocotber 2025
📌 Principal Water Planning Officer
🏢 Queensland Government
📍 Cairns Regional