Senior Hydrographer

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL)
• Temporary full-time 3-year fixed term opportunity, extendable subject to client funding
• Manly Vale location (Other by negotiation), hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $116,981 to $129,492 + super

Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) provides specialist and impartial advice relating to coastal and water engineering and water flow assurance, utilising physical and numerical modelling, NATA accredited facilities and extensive data collection programs in water, sewer, stormwater, irrigation, coastal, riverine and environmental systems.

MHL are seeking to appoint a Senior Hydrographer in a full-time 3-year fixed term position, extendable subject to continued client funding.

About You
In this role you will manage, co-ordinate and carry out a range of oceanic/marine, coastal, estuarine/riverine (including flood waters) water system, sewer system and/or stormwater system monitoring services in office and field under the guidance of senior staff to deliver high quality and innovative client outcomes. This extends to network river basin auditing, asset management tracking and monitoring station improvement works including planning & design of new hydrometric stations and technology review and investigations.

Key accountabilities include:

• Lead and coordinate high-quality hydrometric monitoring projects, working collaboratively across teams and stakeholders to manage competing priorities and deliver innovative outcomes.
• Provide expert technical advice and reporting, applying contemporary industry practices, departmental requirements and emerging technologies to resolve issues and continuously improve monitoring services.
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships, understanding technical and business needs, developing practical solutions and delivering responsive service that strengthens ongoing partnerships and identifies new opportunities.
• Support the successful delivery and growth of projects, contributing to robust, competitive fee proposals and representing DCCEEW Water Solutions in internal and external working groups.

Key Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive experience in river basin hydrometric station auditing, network performance assessment, and compliance monitoring.
• Leadership of asset management programs, including infrastructure tracking, lifecycle planning, and risk-based maintenance.
• Expertise in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and optimisation of hydrometric monitoring stations.
• Proven capability in mentoring, coaching, and developing junior staff to build technical competency and operational excellence.
• Strong commitment to Work Health and Safety (WHS), including risk assessment, hazard identification, and implementation of safe work practices.

Essential Requirements

• Appropriate Qualifications or equivalent industry experience in the field of data analysis and use of instrumentation and software in relation to three or more of the following areas: oceanic / marine, coastal, estuarine / riverine (including flood waters), water system, sewer system and/or stormwater system monitoring.
• A valid NSW Driver’s Licence and willingness and ability to travel including overnight stay and field work (up to 2-3 weeks per month).
• Boat licence/Coxswain Grade 3.
• Ability to demonstrate swimming/rescue (up to 200m) assessment.
• Current First aid certificate and ability and willingness to safely carry out all duties working on or near water, in the natural environment and urban environment including wastewater and stormwater systems.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Hydrographer MHL

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works 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.

To Apply

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 note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close Sunday 22nd November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Brett Glover via brett.glover@mhl.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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• 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.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

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 Michelle Mansour on 02 4908 7307 (please mention reference number 554395).

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.

Role Description