Water Quality Scientist

Water Quality Scientist

• Get the balance right - flexible working options available
• Ongoing career development opportunities
• Support the sustainable delivery of an essential service to the Lower Hunter community

We are seeking a Water Quality Scientist to join our Water Resilience and Science Group in the Strategy and Engagement Division.

Our Company

At Hunter Water our Values define who we are as an organisation and how we behave. We strive to live these Values and it is shown in the work we do and the way in which we interact with each other. Please click here to learn more about Hunter Water's Values.

At Hunter Water we fundamentally believe in and commit to diversity and inclusion. We value an individual's unique capabilities, backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. We rely on these diverse perspectives to drive innovation and collaboration, to deliver the best outcome for our customers and communities.

It is this diversity of perspectives that will enable Hunter Water to meet the challenges of the future. We strive to create an inclusive environment where there is genuine equality of opportunity regardless of people's gender, age, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and/or family status. We encourage you to apply and welcome all applications.

We are embarking on a new strategic direction to build a more innovative, collaborative and resilient organisation that is a thought leader in developing a sustainable water and wastewater future. Please click here to learn more about Hunter Water's Corporate Strategy.

At Hunter Water we offer a range of employee benefits. For this position, these will include, but are not limited to:

Excellent flexible working and additional leave benefits including:

• Additional Public Holidays, RDOs
• 5 days additional paid Carers Leave per annum
• Paid Community Service Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave for both parents
• Access to hybrid work and other flexible options

Health & Wellbeing benefits including:

• Fitness passport
• Access to discounted health fund and health services
• Access to the Employee Assistance program

Remuneration & Hours:

• 35 hour working week
• Reward and Recognition Program
• Base Salary of up to $101,940 (Engineering Band 2) plus Superannuation

The Opportunity

As the Water Quality Scientist you will hold a specialist role that provides Water Quality science support across Hunter Water. The role is responsible for project managing the science and research aspects of strategic planning and environmental investigations to address the needs of a growing customer base.

What you'll do:

• Management of science and research projects, with a focus on scientific components of strategic planning studies, drinking Water Quality, receiving Water Quality, catchment studies, environmental and public health investigations, environmental impact assessments, community consultation and regulatory issues.
• Provision of scientific expertise across water, wastewater, recycled water and biosolids with a strong focus on the protection of public health and understanding impacts of Hunter Water operations on the environment.
• Provision of prompt and high-quality advice to Hunter Water and regulatory bodies in response to operational incidents.
• Development and execution of scientific studies which provide robust and evidence-based justification for Hunter Water's forward capital works program.
• Provision of high-quality technical advice to internal and external stakeholders on investment planning projects and operational decision-making.
• Data review and analysis, including trend analysis to pre-empt adverse Water Quality or poor performance of assets, thereby reducing risks to public health and/or regulatory non-compliance.

What you'll need to be successful:

Essential Criteria and Experience

• Degree in Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology or equivalent suitable professional qualifications and experience.
• Understanding of drinking Water Quality, wastewater management and aquatic system management issues related to catchments, treatment, recycling, and ecological health monitoring and assessment.
• Experience in planning and managing studies and projects of an environmental or scientific nature.
• Understanding of Water Quality and wastewater impacts on human health.
• Understanding of wastewater impacts on freshwater and marine aquatic ecological processes.
• Understanding of catchment processes.
• Experimental design and sampling methods.
• Data analysis and management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to influence others.
• Well-developed analytical and innovation skills with the ability to initiate & deliver change and business improvements.

Desirable Criteria:

• Research Higher Degree in Science, Environmental Science or Biotechnology
• Post Doctorate experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in scientific (environmental or biological) investigation, planning and management of water, catchment and wastewater systems and processes.
• Understanding of hydrodynamic, physical and biogeochemical processes, and ability to work with models of these processes.
• Experience in managing and analysing large datasets using statistical computing and analysis software such as 'R', Python and PowerBI, or a desire to build capacity in this area.
• Experience in health-based targets, ecological assessment study design, performance and analysis, environmental microbiology and habitat assessment.
• Good understanding of NSW environmental legislation and planning approval requirements.

Application Steps:

To be considered for this position applicants must submit a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria and provide a current resume.

To view the position description please click here

Application closing date: Thursday 16 May 2024. Interested? Apply Now!

Contact: .Tahleigha Powell Phone: 0497 939 ***

We are proud to be an Inclusive Employer committed to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity. People with disability, women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process by getting in contact with the recruiter.

Employment with Hunter Water Corporation may be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to criminal background checks, functional assessment, drug and alcohol testing and psychometric assessment for preferred external applicants.