AI Implementation & Governance Specialist

At Water Corporation we're shifting our focus to the next phase of our strategic plan - building on strong foundations to strengthen capabilities, modernise systems, and accelerate innovation across the business. This phase is about elevating how we deliver technology services: making them faster, more responsive, and more closely aligned to the needs of our people, our operations, and our customers. To support this evolution, we're recruiting for key roles that will be pivotal in strategically shaping a modern, collaborative, and customer‑centric Information & Technology Group. If you're excited about leading innovation, finding smarter ways of working, and making a meaningful impact, now is the perfect time to join us.

About the role

Water Corporation is seeking a Specialist – AI Implementation & Governance to provide deep technical and governance expertise ensuring the safe, responsible and compliant use of Artificial Intelligence across the organisation.

This specialist role plays a critical part in embedding AI governance frameworks into real‑world delivery and operational workflows. You will work at an enterprise level, partnering with senior leaders, technical teams and system owners to prevent and mitigate AI‑related risks while enabling innovation aligned with organisational principles, regulatory obligations and community expectations.

You will bring strong professional credibility, the ability to influence across the organisation, and a proven track record translating complex governance, regulatory and ethical requirements into practical, scalable controls that support trusted AI adoption.

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home or negotiate flexible work hours
• An additional 2 well-being days each year
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Generous co-contribution superannuation scheme, which offers up to 16%. This includes an 12% standard employer contribution, plus an additional 2% employer co-contribution that matches your own 2% contribution
• 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

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

What the role will involve

AI governance & risk management

• Develop, implement and embed AI and data governance frameworks across the full AI lifecycle, establishing clear principles, controls and accountabilities that align with organisational risk appetite and obligations.
• Collaborate closely with Data Analytics and Information Management teams to ensure governance standards are aligned, consistent and enterprise‑wide.
• Provide expert advice to business units on safe, ethical and responsible AI implementation, ensuring solutions meet required governance, regulatory and policy standards.
• Identify, assess and mitigate AI‑related risks by designing and embedding effective controls that ensure AI systems remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose over time.
• Monitor compliance with governance and regulatory requirements, proactively identifying gaps and coordinating timely remediation with stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain AI oversight artefacts including AI registers, compliance reports, risk dashboards and assurance documentation to support transparent executive oversight.
• Act as Secretariat for the AI & Data Committee, coordinating submissions, preparing papers and supporting informed governance decision‑making.
• Develop and oversee assurance mechanisms across the AI lifecycle, including behavioural and scenario‑based testing, to validate ethical, safe and intended AI outcomes.

Stakeholder engagement & change management

• Build strong credibility with senior leaders, system owners and delivery teams by providing practical, evidence‑based governance advice.
• Influence developers, product teams and business leaders to align AI initiatives with organisational principles, policies and governance requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor on AI and data governance, clearly articulating risks, safeguards and compliance obligations to support informed decision‑making.
• Promote a culture of responsible data and AI use, reinforcing governance as a protective and enabling capability.
• Design governance frameworks that integrate seamlessly into day‑to‑day technical and business processes, ensuring controls are embedded rather than treated as standalone compliance activities.
• Lead change management through targeted communication, training and engagement to drive understanding, adoption and consistent application of governance requirements.

Continuous improvement & capability building

• Monitor, evaluate and report on AI governance maturity, control effectiveness and assurance outcomes to inform prioritisation and executive oversight.
• Stay current on emerging AI governance trends, standards and regulatory developments, updating policies and frameworks as required.
• Streamline and improve governance processes to reduce administrative burden while strengthening accountability, safety and transparency.
• Build organisational capability in responsible AI by equipping teams with the knowledge, tools and oversight skills required for compliant AI delivery.
• Champion governance as a strategic enabler that supports safe innovation, trust and sustainable business value.

Ethics & compliance 

• Perform all duties in line with legislative, regulatory, corporate and ethical requirements.
• Act in accordance with Water Corporation’s Code of Conduct, Equity and Diversity Policy, Work Health and Safety requirements, and Accountability and Empowerment Framework.
• Model behaviours that support a constructive, ethical and high‑performance culture.

Key skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Information Technology, Data Science, Governance, Risk, Compliance or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience advising on complex data and/or AI initiatives, including risk assessment, control design and assurance across the AI lifecycle.
• Strong experience in business analysis and process mapping, translating regulatory, policy and risk requirements into practical, embedded operational controls.
• Extensive experience building and sustaining effective stakeholder partnerships and influencing outcomes across technical, operational and executive environments.
• Strong knowledge of AI and data governance frameworks (e.g. NIST,DAMA‑DMBOK, DCAM) and their practical application.
• Experience using governance tools and platforms such as Collibra, Alation or cloud‑based governance solutions.
• Ability to embed governance controls into delivery and operational workflows to ensure real‑world adoption.
• Familiarity with SDLC, CRISP‑DM and other analytical or system development methodologies, integrating governance throughout the lifecycle.
• Understanding of data products, AI model lifecycles, operational dependencies and benefit realisation.
• Proven ability to translate technical, regulatory and risk concepts into clear, business‑relevant guidance.
• Experience with architecture approvals, cyber and information risk assessments, and embedding governance into these processes.
• Strong capability in developing policies, standards and frameworks that translate ethical and regulatory requirements into actionable practice.
• Highly developed analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex regulatory and ethical requirements.
• Commercially astute with a forward‑looking mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity while balancing strategic, technical and regulatory priorities.
• Curious, innovative and committed to advancing safe and effective AI governance.

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

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.

Applications close Tuesday 7^th April 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