Research Program Lead

Ready to make a splash in your career? WaterNSW is seeking an experienced Research Program Lead (Full-time, Permanent) to join our team. This is an opportunity to work with an essential organisation creating a more sustainable future for the state. This role offers the flexibility to work around life, your contribution will be valued, and you’ll be supported to build a rewarding career. Our perks and Benefits At WaterNSW, we believe that our employees should be as well taken care of as our rivers, dams, and pipelines, that’s why we offer a load of benefits. Flexible working Work a 9‑day fortnight at Full Pay on the Enterprise Agreement Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave Fertility leave Corporate wear allowance Professional development and educational assistance Salary starting from $156,345 base + 12% super And so much more What you’ll do Governance: Ensure effective research governance mechanisms and processes are in place and followed including procurement, contract, risk and insurance management and maintaining project management templates and reporting systems. Collaboration: Identify options and develop applications for grants to maximise funding opportunities for research and scientific priorities and develop partnerships and collaborations to leverage WaterNSW research investment and increase return on investment of the science program. Reputation: Monitor developments in water security, water quality and biodiversity research, keep abreast of research, industry and regulatory trends and maintain a network of peers across industry and research to advocate and influence for WaterNSW business needs. Impact: Translate outcomes of research into applicable management actions and operational implementation options and ensure research impact is tracked and communicated for the program. Project Management: Manage science projects and programs to ensure the delivery of the agreed scientific research and operational outcomes on time, within budget and fulfil the terms of project outcomes negotiated with clients. What we are looking for Postgraduate qualifications (Master’s or PhD preferred) in environmental science, water resource management, or a related discipline or equivalent demonstrated experience. Extensive experience (ideally 15+ years) in delivering and coordinating complex, multi‑disciplinary research programs and scientific portfolios. Proven track record in designing and delivering impactful research strategies aligned with organisational and regulatory priorities. Demonstrated success in securing and managing external research funding, including grants and partnerships. In depth, specialised knowledge in one or more of the nominated fields: Water quality (physico‑chemical or microbial), Environmental statistics / hydroinformatics, Catchment and riverine hydrology or hydrogeology, Aquatic ecosystems, Natural resource management or Biosecurity. Current NSW Drivers Licence. How we will support you At WaterNSW, we balance flexibility – and the way we work – with the needs of the business, our teams, and us as individuals. When it comes to working in an office, we work in a hybrid way. If you’re required to be in the field or on site, the benefits of flexibility can be achieved in other ways, such as through a condensed work week. We are proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer and are committed to providing equal opportunities for women. Visit our WORK180 page to access our benefits and career development opportunities. More about our team / culture No matter how or where you work, safety is the number one priority. This means the physical and mental safety of you, your colleagues, and the public. Who is WaterNSW? WaterNSW operates the state’s dams, capturing and storing water, and then supplying it ready for distribution – for the environment, agriculture, industry and the community. With 41 major dams and hundreds of waterways across the state, we play a vital role at the source of the state’s water, delivering two thirds of all water used in NSW. We’re the people taking care of the state’s water at the source – capturing, storing, delivering. Find out more at waternsw.com.au. For more information, please reach out to: Jasmine Choong ( ) Please note applications for this position will close on 12th December 2025, 5:00pm. You must have full work rights in Australia to qualify for all positions at WaterNSW. We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr