Water Source Planner

Benefits

Additional Information

Due to significant contract awards within our ANZ Water business, we are expanding our Water Infrastructure Team in Melbourne, VIC and are hiring a Water Source Planner to deliver strategic, high-impact advice on catchment planning, water security and system resilience. This specialist role suits an autonomous consultant who thrives on complex problem-solving and collaborating with peers across our global network. As Water Source Planner, you will: Lead catchment planning and water source strategy assignments that inform long-term investment and resilience decisions for clients. Apply hydraulic modelling and planning expertise to assess supply options, reservoir operations and system performance under varied scenarios (e.g., climate change and drought). Work independently with support from our global technical community to develop robust, client-ready insights and master planning deliverables. Focus on strategic advice and master planning, major project delivery experience is not required. Develop water source and catchment strategies, including options assessment, staging, and risk-based decision frameworks. Undertake catchment and hydraulic modelling to evaluate system behaviour, constraints and opportunities across reservoirs, headworks and transfer systems. Analyse scenarios (demand growth, climate variability, drought, water quality) and advise on resilience uplift, reliability, and level-of-service targets. Prepare clear, defensible master plans, concept strategies, and investment roadmaps for client decision-makers. Engage with stakeholders to align technical recommendations with policy, regulatory, environmental and community outcomes. Collaborate with global specialists to bring best-practice methods, benchmarks and tools to local challenges. Here's what we're looking for: A degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Hydrology, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in catchment planning, water source strategy and/or water security assessments. Proven hydraulic modelling capability applied to catchments, reservoirs and distribution interfaces. Strong planning skill set: demand forecasting, options screening, multi-criteria assessment, and program staging. Understanding of how reservoirs and headworks operate within integrated water supply systems. Experience assessing climate change and drought scenarios to inform resilient, adaptive pathways. Consultancy background with the ability to work autonomously, interface with clients, and produce high-quality strategic deliverables. Proficiency with industry-standard tools for catchment and hydraulic modelling; we remain flexible on specific platforms and value transferable skills. Chartered or working toward chartership with a relevant professional institution is advantageous. A proven ability to deliver clear, evidence-based reports, strategies and presentations for senior stakeholders. Hands-on experience contributing to water and wastewater planning, source strategy, or master planning projects. Why you'll love working with us Flexible work arrangements, including alternative start/finish times, part-time, job-sharing and hybrid work options Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year Volunteer and representation leave Flex public holidays - swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better Ready to push the limits of what's possible? We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about life at AECOM: LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , X , YouTube - explore our AECOM voices, employee stories, latest projects, and much more! At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and our communities live and work around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders - past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses. Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://aecom.com/au/our-vision-for-reconciliation/. About AECOM AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and constructi