Director Groundwater Knowledge & Water Insights

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.

The Water Group is seeking to appoint a Director Groundwater Knowledge & Water Insights, a key senior executive role in raising the profile of groundwater science, management and innovation in NSW.

The Director Groundwater Knowledge & Water Insights will lead the Water Group’s Groundwater Knowledge and Water Insights programs including groundwater science and management, groundwater modelling, water information products, water markets and trade, to support groundwater planning and management, improve the knowledge of ecological and environmental impact for the effective management of groundwater resources, and ensure high quality water insights science and information products.

Key accountabilities are…

• Lead the groundwater knowledge and water insights teams to deliver high-quality science, data, analytics and stakeholder engagement.
• Drive groundwater science, research and policy strategies to support evidence-based water planning and resource management.
• Oversee groundwater data, modelling, accounting, analytics and reporting systems to deliver robust, quality-assured insights and dashboards.
• Provide expert advice on groundwater management, emerging risks and opportunities, and environmental impacts to government and industry stakeholders.
• Lead delivery of water market reforms, trade analytics and cross-agency collaboration on water trade matters.
• Build strategic partnerships across government, industry and academia to strengthen groundwater research, innovation and applied science outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and departmental requirements through transparent, peer-reviewed and fit-for-purpose scientific outputs.

Key challenges include…

• Communicating complex and sometimes contentious water science and analysis to diverse stakeholders to support decision-making.
• Building trust and transparency through accessible, quality-assured data, modelling and scientific insights.
• Raising the profile of groundwater science and strengthening collaboration across government, industry and research sectors.

• Tertiary qualification in water sciences, hydrogeology, applied sciences or engineering and/or equivalent experience with status as a lead expert in the field.

For more information read the full Role Description: Director Groundwater Knowledge & Water Insights

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ty Brennock via ty.brennock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Ty Brennock via ty.brennock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 231 505 (please mention reference number 550571).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.

Advertised: 27 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 09 Jun 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend