About the Company 

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

As the Future Water Specialist, you will lead the development of technical content for integrated water management strategies across all regions of South Australia. You will collaborate with internal and external partners to drive decision-making processes and provide expert guidance in water resources analysis, including modelling, option evaluation, and adaptive planning. Your role will involve evaluating current and future water availability, assessing new water options, and developing adaptive plans. Additionally, you will integrate complex technical insights with community and stakeholder feedback to deliver comprehensive water management strategies on time and within budget.

About the Person

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in water resources analysis and planning, who can lead technical assessments of water system capacity and future needs. You will ensure consistency in methodologies across initiatives, deliver water resources modelling, and support alignment with strategic goals. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, you will promote collaborative decision-making and develop regional water security plans. Your ability to translate long-term strategies into actionable investment plans will be essential. You will also contribute to a high-performing leadership team, maintain safety standards, and embody SA Water's values while driving team success.

About Science and Strategy

The Science and Strategy group employs scientific approaches to address present and upcoming challenges. They execute a strategy driven by customer preferences to elevate the SA Water brand and position us for future success.

In addition, your responsibilities will include: 

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day. 

You will: 

• Lead water resources modelling and capacity assessments to support integrated water management strategies across South Australia.
• Ensure alignment of methodologies and assumptions with internal and external water resource initiatives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, providing technical outputs and supporting decision-making processes for strategic water management.
• Develop regional water security plans, evaluating options and adaptive pathways for short, medium, and long-term investments.
• Foster a high-performing team environment, promoting SA Water's values, and ensuring the safety of people and communities.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Relevant qualifications in science, engineering, or related fields, with knowledge of technical, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• Strong understanding of South Australia’s water sector, resource management, policy development, and strategic planning.
• Proven strategic, analytical, and organisational skills to manage complex issues across multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence, build lasting relationships, and drive mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Ability to make strategic recommendations based on data analysis, research, and engagement - desirable.
• High-level negotiation skills for resolving complex issues - desirable.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Future Water Specialist.

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Despina Livadiotis from the Talent Acquisition team despina.livadiotis@sawater.com.au.  Please note that any enquiries received, will be responded to starting from 2nd January 2025.

Applications close 11:55pm, 26 January 2025.

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.