Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 688391
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

• Join a committed and dynamic senior leadership team
• Reporting to the Executive Director, Water and River Murray
• Lead a team of approximately 60 people in locations across South Australia

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is a leading authority on key issues such as climate change, conservation, sustainable land management, biodiversity, and water security within South Australia. DEW aims to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. Driving the sustainable development of SA’s natural resources and heritage, DEW delivers economic prosperity and a vibrant and healthy society. DEW works in partnership with community, traditional owners, industry and stakeholders to achieve results.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Water and River Murray, the Director, Water Licensing leads the delivery of a range of services that form the state’s water licensing function, including the management and maintenance of the state water register and its integration with partner systems. Providing leadership to a team of delegates, the Director will drive a culture of high performance and governance, ensuring that branch priorities are aligned to delivering the Government’s and Department’s strategic directions and objectives. Key responsibilities will include:

• Being an influential adviser and advocate across State and Federal Government, delivering high quality policy, programs and assets;
• Ensuring the Water Licensing Branch meets Government and departmental objectives, including the delivery of related services and revenue targets through strategic and business planning;
• Effective management and oversight of the State’s new water register and online portal, mywater;
• Active participation in the DEW Leaders Forum and Water and River Murray leadership team.

To be considered for this role, you will be a supportive and collaborative leader of diverse teams with a customer service/engagement focus. As a calm and capable leader, you will engender confidence in your team of specialists through your personal leadership style and integrity.

A broad knowledge of key relevant aspects of water management within the public sector context is highly desirable, although applications from experienced people within the energy, utilities and similarly regulated sectors are most welcome. Working closely with the executive team, you will have a proven track record of developing constructive stakeholder relationships and managing competing demands across government, industry and the community. The ability to swiftly develop an in-depth understanding of trends, developments, reforms and major issues facing the management of water resources and water use industries is essential.

To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please click on the following link: Success Profile Link

To apply, please visit Director, Water Licensing and click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions and for a confidential discussion, please contact Sam Wallace on 0437 313 130.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 15/08/2025 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - SAES1 Director Water Licensing.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.