Company Description

Balancing the world’s need for safe, reliable water with protecting this critical natural resource for the future requires a deep understanding of interconnected systems.

We work with clients across the entire project life cycle — from initial planning studies through final construction and operations and maintenance services — on both traditional and alternative project-delivery options (design-build, public-private partnerships and financing).

With a robust design and construction division, AECOM offers a unique perspective on designing projects that are fully constructible.

Everyone belongs at AECOM. We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, # Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

Job Description

Due to significant contract awards within our ANZ Water business, we are expanding our Water Infrastructure Team in Melbourne, VIC and are hiring a Director - 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.

Qualifications

- 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.
- Robust 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.

Additional Information

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Rec

📌 Director - Water Source Planner (Melbourne)
🏢 Aecom
📍 Melbourne