Principal Waterways Engineer
Are you an experienced engineering professional with a strong background in flood mitigation, stormwater management and strategic infrastructure planning? Join Mackay Regional Council’s Strategic Planning program and help shape long-term infrastructure strategies that protect our waterways, coastal environments and growing community.
Working under limited direction, you will provide specialist technical advice and lead the development, review and implementation of flood mitigation, stormwater management, drainage planning and infrastructure strategies across the Mackay region.
Key responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development, review and implementation of flood mitigation and stormwater management strategies, studies and policies.
- Undertake and manage flood modelling activities across the Mackay local government area, including coordination with external consultants.
- Support the development of asset management strategies for flood mitigation and stormwater drainage infrastructure.
- Assist with the preparation, amendment and review of the Local Government Infrastructure Plan, including Desired Standards of Service and cost impact assessments.
- Contribute to infrastructure planning policies, Council’s Engineering Design Guidelines and locality-specific plans.
- Prepare technical reports, correspondence and briefing materials for Council in line with current and emerging regulatory frameworks.
- Collaborate with internal teams, external stakeholders and the Local Disaster Management Group on flood and coastal hazard planning and response matters.
About you
To be successful, you will bring:
- Significant experience in the planning, design and construction of public infrastructure, with experience using hydrologic and hydraulic modelling software such as XPRafts and TUFLOW to produce 2D flood models.
- Substantial knowledge of engineering design standards, Australian Standards, legislative requirements and risk management principles.
- Strong understanding of flood and stormwater management, including the Queensland Urban Drainage Manual and Australian Rainfall and Runoff.
- Highly developed ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and engineering reports.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, report writing and business case development skills.
- Experience managing multiple projects, consultants or subcontractors, and delivering outcomes within tight timeframes.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, consult stakeholders and resolve complex issues.
- A degree with extensive relevant experience in Civil Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of qualifications, skills and experience.
- A current QLD ‘C’ Class driver licence, or interstate equivalent with the ability to transfer to QLD within three months of commencement.
Why join MRC?
- Annual Salary of $124,445.70 - $127,213.04 plus super
- Up to 18% superannuation, conditions apply.
- Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- Salary sacrificing options may be available.
- Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives.
- Lifestyle benefits and corporate discounts.
- Active social clubs.
Applications close: 06 August 2026
Important information for applicants
To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia. Work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.
Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, including comprehensive medical assessments and drug and alcohol testing.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and value diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
