DWQ Desalination Planning - Team Leader

About the role 

As Team Leader - DWQ Desalination Planning, you will lead a team of technical specialists responsible for delivering expert water quality advice across Water Corporation's expanding new water source program. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring DWQ risks are effectively identified, assessed and managed throughout the asset lifecycle, supporting major infrastructure investments that are critical to the Corporation's long-term water security strategy.

Working within the DWQ Strategy & Risk team, you will provide strategic direction, technical governance and specialist advice on source water quality, treatment requirements, water quality risk management, commissioning and third-party DWQ governance. You will work closely with planners, engineers, project managers, operations teams, regulators and external stakeholders to deliver safe and sustainable drinking water outcomes.

Who we are

When you join Water Corporation, you play an important role for the people of WA. Our services are essential for life - everyday, millions of Western Australians rely on us to deliver and manage water across our state.

If you’re driven to make a meaningful contribution, you’ve come to the right place.

Real benefits that matter

• Two well-being days each year to recharge, relax and enjoy life (separate to standard paid sick/personal leave)
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Take advantage of our co-contribution superannuation scheme. Receive a 12% employer contribution and enjoy an additional 2% employer co-contribution when you elect to salary sacrifice 2%  
• Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave of up to 5 days so you can maintain your cultural connection and wellbeing.
• Annual leave loading – an extra 17.5% pay when you use your annual leave   

Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.

What you can expect with this role

In this role, you will:

• Lead a team of technical specialists providing expert advice on DWQ hazards, risks, treatment requirements and risk mitigation measures for major new water source and desalination projects.
• Act as Water Corporation's subject matter expert for DWQ aspects of new source developments, including desalination projects.
• Oversee water quality risk assessments, source water investigations, hazard assessments, sampling programs and commissioning plans.
• Ensure project planning, option evaluation, business case development and operational readiness activities align with DWQ principles and regulatory requirements.
• Provide water quality leadership throughout project planning, development, delivery and asset integration phases.
• Develop and manage work programs supporting multiple concurrent projects across the State, balancing priorities, resources and deliverables.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Asset Investment Planning, Engineering, Project Management and Operations teams.
• Lead engagement with regulators, including the Department of Health, as well as consultants, contractors and third-party water suppliers.
• Contribute as a member of the DWQ Strategy & Risk leadership team, helping to shape culture, performance and continuous improvement

Your skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A degree qualification in engineering, science, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in DWQ management, risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
• Extensive experience providing technical advice and governance support for major infrastructure projects.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams and delivering complex programs of work.
• Strong experience engaging with regulators and senior stakeholders on complex technical and risk-based matters.
• In-depth knowledge of DWQ risk management principles, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in source water protection, treatment processes, hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing, negotiation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities, manage complex work programs and drive outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• A collaborative leadership style, a commitment to safety and public health, and the ability to build high-performing teams.

Sound like a match? Apply today

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

Please note: By applying for this role, you are consenting to your current and previous line managers being contacted as references. It is strongly recommended that all internal applicants advise their line manager of any applications for acting or permanent positions prior to applying. 

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which commonly includes - but is not limited to - a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check. If you would like the full list of pre-employment screening checks prior to applying, please contact recruitment@watercorporation.com.au

Applications close 16 October 2026

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: 

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at recruitment@watercorporation.com.au or 08 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website