Principal Adviser - Water Quality Risk

Ready to make a splash in your career? WaterNSW is seeking an experienced Principal Adviser - Water Quality Risk (Full-time, Permanent) to join our Land & Water Operations team.  

This is an opportunity to work with an essential organisation creating a more sustainable future for the state.  

This role offers the flexibility to work around life, your contribution will be valued, and you’ll be supported to build a rewarding career. 

Our perks and Benefits:

At WaterNSW, we believe that our employees should be as well taken care of as our rivers, dams, and pipelines, that’s why we offer a load of benefits.  

• Flexible working
• Work a 9-day fortnight at Full Pay on the Enterprise Agreement
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Fertility leave
• Corporate wear allowance 
• Professional development and educational assistance
• Salary starting from $156,345 base + 12% super
• And so much more! 

What you’ll do: 

• C2C Risk Assessment: Lead the catchment to customer risk assessment process in alignment with the ADWG (Australian Drinking Water Guidelines) and to the satisfaction of NSW Health. Undertake comprehensive water quality risk assessments, ensuring risk insights are informed by catchment-specific data and stakeholder engagement to protect public health and broader water values. 
• Risk Framework Integration: Provide leadership in aligning water quality risk assessments with operational and corporate risk frameworks, ensuring consistency and integration across WaterNSW.
• Program Management: Oversee planning, execution and evaluation of water quality risk reduction programs using sound project management principles. Apply structured methodologies to manage resources, track progress and mitigate risks. Ensure initiatives are strategically aligned with WaterNSW’ regulatory obligations and facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure program outcomes contribute to resilient and sustainable water supply systems. 
• Technical Expertise and Advisory: Provide expert and specialist advice in relation to water quality risks for WaterNSW, customers and regulators. Effectively engaging with NSW Health and other regulators, including participation in expert panels to provide advice on water quality incidents, and influencing policy and practice through evidence-based advice and collaborative partnerships. 
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Water Quality Management System, including health checks, preparation and response to audits, and procedure development, as per Operating Licence. 

What we are looking for:  

• Post graduate qualifications in science or related field, or demonstrated equivalent experience, with focus on public health and drinking water quality risk assessment.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant industry experience, including senior roles within a water utility or regulatory body.
• Proven track record in leading water quality risk assessments and delivering strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders 
• Deep understanding of water quality science, including the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) and NSW regulatory frameworks, and extensive experience in interpreting and applying ADWG and other regulatory guidelines. 
• Proven ability to contribute to the development of water quality policy and influence regulatory and industry outcomes through evidence-based advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Current NSW Drivers Licence.

How we will support you: 

At WaterNSW, we balance flexibility – and the way we work – with the needs of the business, our teams, and us as individuals.When it comes to working in an office, we work in a hybrid way. If you’re required to be in the field or on site, the benefits of flexibility can be achieved in other ways, such as through a condensed work week.

We are proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer and are committed to providing equal opportunities for women. Visit our WORK180 page to access our benefits and career development opportunities. 

More about our team / culture:

No matter how or where you work, safety is the number one priority. This means the physical and mental safety of you, your colleagues, and the public.

Who is WaterNSW?

WaterNSW operates the state’s dams, capturing and storing water, and then supplying it ready for distribution – for the environment, agriculture, industry and the community. With 41 major dams and hundreds of waterways across the state, we play a vital role at the source of the state’s water, delivering two thirds of all water used in NSW.   

We’re the people taking care of the state’s water at the source – capturing, storing, delivering. Find out more at waternsw.com.au. 

For more information, please reach out to: Nathan Hollis ([email protected])

Please note applications for this position will close on 16th April 2026, 5.00pm.

Click for Position Description - Please note this can only be accessed on the WaterNSW Careers Page. 

You must have full work rights in Australia to qualify for all positions at WaterNSW.  

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. 

Privacy and collection of your personal information 

If you apply for a position via our website or [email protected], WaterNSW may collect your personal information. Please visit WaterNSW’s Privacy Page to view the Careers Collection Notice for more information about how WaterNSW collects, uses, and discloses your personal information. 

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