Senior Project Officer, Water Unit
Role Title: Senior Project Officer, Water Unit
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – Contract end date 23 February 2027
Position Classification: Health Manager Level 3
Remuneration: $132,236 - $150,222 per annum plus Superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 38 hours
Requisition ID: REQ663953
Closing Date: Monday 15 June 11:59pm, 2026
Join our Water Unit, Environment Health Branch at Health Protection NSW for an exciting temporary employment opportunity and be part of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.
About us
Our core values of collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment are more than just words – they're the guiding principles that shape every aspect of our work.
While regular office presence is essential, we offer flexible work arrangements to support your needs.
Committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
About the role:
With your skills and experience, you can contribute to the millions of ways we’re enhancing health and wellness while developing your career as part of the largest health organisation in Australia.
The Water Unit is responsible for development and implementation of statewide strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures to protect public health and support the provision of safe drinking water by more than 80 public water utilities and for Aboriginal communities, private water suppliers and water carters, safe recycled water, water fluoridation, and safe public swimming pools and spa pools.
The Water Unit works with a network of local Public Health Units across the state, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, water utilities, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, other government departments, and the water industry.
Health Manager Level 3 starting salary from $132,236 - $150,222 plus Super, with a 38 hour work week.
What you'll be doing
Implementing programs in areas of complexity and diversity of viewpoints. This will require the application of skills to influence, persuade and negotiate to ensure that public health risks are addressed.
Working with local councils, water suppliers, public swimming pool and spa pool operators, Public Health Units and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to assess hazards and identify appropriate controls to protect water quality, sometimes in resource poor settings.
Preparing complex Ministerial briefings, responding to complaints and concerns relating to water quality.
Supporting the NSW Health response to water contamination incidents.
Balancing workload and priorities, meeting deadlines and undertaking and/or supporting multiple projects in a pressured, high-volume work environment.
About you:
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who can support the work of NSW Health with:
Knowledge of water quality and/or health issues, including issues relating to drinking water and recycled water.
Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in the fields of public health, environmental health, engineering, chemistry, microbiology or other relevant science discipline.
Proven experience in consulting effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including Public Health Units, laboratories, local water utilities and Aboriginal communities.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritise workloads under time-critical circumstances with minimal supervision and on complex projects within a team environment.
Good oral and written communication skills, including capacity to prepare high quality reports, briefings and correspondence.
How to apply
At The Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND
1. Explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills OR
2. Demonstrate your ability by attaching a response to the two target questions below.
Optional: Target Questions (1-2 pages)
Question 1. Please provide an example of how you have applied your understanding of the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling, or similar preventive risk management frameworks, to water quality risk management.
Question 2. Please give an example of where you have worked in a team to manage complex and diverse projects and tasks, involving external stakeholders? Please include your role in the team and details of your contribution.
Use the link below to access our Capability Application tool, designed to help you excel in the recruitment process. Practice your responses with the example questions provided to effectively highlight your achievements and the strategies you used to accomplish them.
For role related queries or questions contact Dr Katrina Wall on 9391 9894 or Katrina.Wall@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ663953
As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Karen Kennedy on karen.kennedy8@health.nsw.gov.au
For more information about adjustments for individual needs, please visit the
Closing Date: Monday 15 June 11:59pm, 2026
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. For more information, please visit Diversity Inclusion Belonging
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Additional information
This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.
This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
Please note the selection process will include a range of merit-based techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal.
Applications Close: Monday 15 June 11:59pm, 2026
