Principal Water Engineer

Principal Water Engineer – Regional Queensland Council

The Opportunity

A Regional Queensland Council is seeking an experienced Principal Water Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic oversight across water and wastewater infrastructure services. This senior role plays a pivotal part in ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water outcomes for the community, while supporting long-term planning and capital delivery programs. This is an ideal opportunity for a technically strong engineer who enjoys influencing outcomes, mentoring others, and contributing to infrastructure that genuinely matters.

What’s On Offer

• $115k-$135k base salary + super
• Full-time permanent senior leadership role
• Relocation assistance and regional benefits available
• Generous leave entitlements
• Opportunity to work on high-impact water and wastewater projects
• Supportive leadership environment with autonomy and influence

About the Role

As Principal Water Engineer, you will provide subject matter expertise and leadership across Council’s water and wastewater infrastructure portfolio. Key responsibilities include:
• Providing technical leadership across water and wastewater planning, design, and delivery
• Leading and reviewing capital works programs for water and sewerage assets
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements
• Supporting asset management planning and long-term infrastructure strategies
• Providing expert engineering advice to senior leadership and Council
• Managing consultant and contractor performance
• Reviewing technical designs, specifications, and reports
• Supporting risk management, resilience planning, and continuous improvement
• Mentoring and supporting engineers and technical staff

About You

You are an experienced water engineer with strong technical capability and the confidence to lead complex infrastructure initiatives. You enjoy working collaboratively, can communicate technical concepts clearly, and are motivated by contributing to sustainable community outcomes.

You will bring:
• Degree qualification in Civil, Water, or Environmental Engineering
• Significant experience in water and wastewater infrastructure delivery
• Strong understanding of water and sewerage regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to provide high-level technical advice and leadership
• Experience working with consultants, contractors, and regulators
• Strong written, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a regional or remote environment

To Apply

Applications in Word format should be submitted by clicking the ‘Apply’ button below.
For a confidential discussion, contact Cameron on (07) 4034 5000.

About Us

With Head Office in Cairns and offices in Townsville and Brisbane. We specialise in professional, administration, engineering and industrial recruitment, permanent and temporary placements for both commercial and government enterprise. We are proud to connect great people with meaningful careers.
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