Water Planning Officer

What makes Sunwater an exceptional workplace?

We are dedicated to providing our employees with a dynamic and secure work atmosphere, accompanied by an array of attractive benefits including:

• Base salary starting from $104,100
• 12.75% superannuation
• Access to Banked Time and TOIL
• 17.5% leave loading
• Hybrid work environment with a genuine emphasis on work/life balance
• Access to Sunwater's MyBenefits hosted by Reward Gateway

The role

The Water Security and Policy team provides an essential link between Sunwater Operations and the Regulator (the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, DRDMW), supporting Sunwater’s compliance with relevant water policy. The team also identifies and leads the development of projects and initiatives which achieve Water Act compliance and Water Plan objectives including water resource security / drought resilience, and this role would have an opportunity to drive activities associated with these initiatives.

This position reports to the Water Security and Policy Manager and works in close cooperation with other members of the Water Resources team, as well as other Sunwater business units which include Operations, Legal, Environment, Engineering, Project Development and Planning, Water Accounting, Stakeholder and Government Relations, and Asset Integrity.

Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing submissions to State and Federal Regulators on new and amended water related regulatory instruments (including Water Plans) which impact Sunwater’s business. This involves reviewing proposed regulatory changes to understand the implications to Sunwater’s business, communicating these changes to the business, and initiating changes where required.
• Analysing problems and proposing solutions for implementation by Sunwater which are acceptable to the regulator, supporting Sunwater’s ongoing compliance with relevant instruments through investigations, analysis and engagement.
• Communicating regulatory requirements in ways that non-specialist staff can understand and action in order to maintain compliance, providing that essential link between Operations (and Legal), and the Regulator.
• Responding to Customer and Irrigation Advisory Committee queries regarding the Queensland water regulatory framework including water sharing rules.
• Drafting amendments to operational rules and Resource Operating Licence (ROL) conditions.
• Developing other options and initiatives (including drafting business cases for projects where required) which help achieve Water Plan objectives and promote water resource security / drought resilience. These might include but are not limited to improved monitoring programs, operational efficiencies, asset optimisation, education and awareness, etc.

About you

We are looking for someone with a degree in engineering, science and/or law (or equivalent) from a recognised tertiary institution.

In addition, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience working in the areas of natural resource management or for a water utility business.
• Sound understanding of, and experience in, developing and applying water policies, procedures and plans to water supply schemes in response to legislative requirements, water industry drivers and other reforms shaping the water industry in Queensland and Australia
• Highly developed analytical, conceptual skills problem solving and research skills. Including a proven ability to formulate water related strategies, policies and implementation plans using participative consultation and negotiation processes.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexibility in their work arrangements. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value the diverse perspectives and experiences that individuals with flexible working needs bring to our team. Whether you are looking for part-time or other flexible arrangements, we are committed to exploring possibilities that accommodate your needs whilst ensuring successful outcomes for Sunwater. Please feel free to discuss your desired flexibility during the application process, and we will strive to create a mutually beneficial work arrangement.

For further information visit www.sunwater.com.au

Sunwater acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of this country and Traditional Custodians of the land and water we rely on. We respect and value their continued sacred connection to Country, including the diverse, rich traditions, languages and customs that are the longest living in the world.  We acknowledge their resilience in the face of significant and ongoing historical, cultural, and political change within Australia. We recognise and value the importance of truth-telling today, and our role to listen and learn.

Please note that our recruitment process involves verifying references, conducting psychometric testing, performing background checks, and conducting a pre-employment medical evaluation.