Principal - Water Planning

Whitehaven Coal is the dominant player in Australia’s only emerging high-quality coal basin. With a culture based on our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence, our reputation for excellence in project delivery and safe, efficient and environmentally responsible operations continues to grow.

Our STRIVE Values connect us and define how we behave. Whitehaven Coal award, recognise and celebrate individuals and teams going above and beyond the requirements of their role to deliver excellent outcomes while demonstrating our Values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.

About The Role

The Principal - Water Planning supports the Group Manager Water and Property in the implementation of the WHC water strategy for all operating mine sites, closed sites and future projects. The Principal – Water Planning will provide governance over the 2-year plan, to ensure our operations meet their regulatory obligations through safe and effective management of technical, financial and human resources. The position will be based in Brisbane with a requirement to travel to the operations once per month.

What You’ll Do

• Provide governance over the wiring of water planning into mine planning through the design, construction and operation phases of water management infrastructure in line with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.  
• Proactively manage external resources within the area of responsibility.
• Provide technical support in the development and implementation of water standards.
• Develop and manage the water GIS system.
• Support the operations site water balance and future needs assessments (permanent and temporary, surface and groundwater allocations).
• Conduct monthly reporting for operations and conduct annual audits and compliance inspections.
• Ensure compliance to water works approvals and Water Access License conditions.
• Coordinate and participate in the compilation of budgets and forecasts with the Group Manager.

What You’ll Bring 

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering (preferred), Science, Environmental Science, Applied Science or other suitable qualification 
• 10+ years of experience in a water specialised role, preferably surface water engineering (essential)
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS preferred, MapInfo, Qgis) (essential)
• Experience with QLD regulatory environments (essential)
• Working knowledge in drainage design and flood modelling (desirable)
• Familiarity in erosion and sediment control design principles (desirable)
• Familiarity with groundwater regimes and modelling requirements (desirable)
• Experience in the design, construction and operation of water management infrastructure (desirable)

Why Whitehaven Coal?

• Full time, permanent position
• 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Attractive Salary and incentives including flexible working arrangements
• Unique opportunity to work for an Industry leader
• Career Development, Mentorship and Coaching  

Whitehaven Coal is committed to increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace. We are striving for an inclusive workplace that brings people from diverse backgrounds and welcomes applicants of diversity of gender, culture and experience.

Whitehaven Coal is working with the RSL Employment Program to support veterans and partners of current or former Defence members in finding meaningful and sustainable employment. If you would like assistance with your application, you can reach out to the program via the following link: https://www.rslqld.org/find-help/employment

Whitehaven Coal is an endorsed Circle Back Initiative Employer.

To be considered for this position you must have the right to work in Australia.

Reward. Opportunity. Recognition.