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Water Services Specialist
Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 861828
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

The Department for Energy and Mining is committed to building a diverse and flexible culture. We encourage and welcome all applications from women, diverse community groups and ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Water Services Specialist (ASO8) within the Office of the Technical Regulator.

The Water Services Specialist provides specialist technical leadership and regulatory oversight for South Australia's drinking water protection, water services and backflow prevention programs. The role is responsible for leading complex compliance initiatives, providing authoritative technical advice, supporting policy and standards development, and contributing to the protection of public health through the effective regulation of water service installations and cross connection control systems.

Key Duties:

  • Lead and manage specialised water services, backflow prevention and cross connection control programs.
  • Plan, coordinate and undertake complex audits, inspections and investigations across South Australia.
  • Develop, implement and monitor compliance programs, operational plans and performance measures.
  • Provide authoritative technical leadership, advice and mentoring to staff, industry and stakeholders.
  • Manage and continuously improve water services and backflow prevention databases, systems and processes.
  • Contribute to the review and development of policies, technical standards and compliance frameworks.
  • Develop and deliver industry education, technical guidance, presentations and information resources.
  • Prepare and review complex reports, correspondence, prosecution briefs and regulatory submissions.
  • Research emerging technologies, products and industry practices to support continuous improvement and effective regulation.

About us:

The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) supports a strong energy and mining sector powering growth and opportunity for South Australia. We lead the responsible development of the state's mineral and energy resources, expanding knowledge of South Australia's geological and energy potential, driving industrial transformation, attracting investment, delivering major projects critical to the state's economic future, and unlocking opportunities for industry, consumers and communities.

Leading regulation, together with innovative policies and programs underpin industry performance, technical and safety standards, and environmental outcomes, building confidence among industry and community.

We particularly acknowledge the essential role that traditional Aboriginal people play in the energy and mining sector as land managers, heritage custodians, business owners and community leaders.

The Regulation and Compliance division deliver effective regulation to support the safe, responsible and sustainable development of South Australia's energy and mineral resources and infrastructure networks. It manages tenure, oversees activities across the project lifecycle, and regulates technical and safety standards, protecting the community and environment.

The Office of the Technical Regulator regulates safety and technical standards for electrical, gas and plumbing installations and appliances, as well as electricity, gas, water and sewerage network infrastructure, ensuring systems are safe, reliable and compliant.

What we offer:

  • Enjoy opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth.
  • Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to excellence, safety, and integrity.
  • Flexible Work Arrangements - Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with options for hybrid working and flexible hours.
  • Prime Location - Adelaide CBD, Waymouth Street, close to public transport, shops, and amenities.
  • Active People and Culture agenda - Employee Assistance Program, diversity and inclusion training and events, DEM social club and much more!
  • We are a White Ribbon Accredited workplace that promotes gender equality and a zero tolerance of violence in the workplace.

Key Selection Criteria:

Please only address the dot points listed below in your application.

  • Demonstrated extensive post-trade experience in the plumbing industry, including application and interpretation of technical standards, legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience providing authoritative advice and specialist regulatory guidance on complex technical compliance and public health matters.
  • Experience planning, managing, conducting and reporting on safety and technical audits of plumbing installations.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentor staff and influence stakeholders to achieve consistent regulatory outcomes and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Essential:

  • Certificate III Plumbing.
  • Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.
  • Accreditation to conduct mechanical backflow device testing.
  • Current South Australian plumbing worker registration with conditions "Advanced Plumber, can perform any plumbing work".

Desirable:

  • Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Hydraulic Services Design).
  • Advanced Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design (or equivalent).
  • Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Water Engineering or a related field.
  • Certificate IV in Government Investigations (or equivalent) or willingness to obtain.
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) or willingness to obtain.
  • Professional Regulators Foundation Program (ANZSOG) and/or Professional Regulators Advanced Program (ANZSOG) or willingness to obtain.

Remuneration:

ASO8 classification
$130,046 to $134,956 per annum (plus superannuation)
Full-time role working 37.5 hours per week.

Special Conditions:

  • Appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Clearance.
  • Current Class C Driver's Licence is essential.
  • Some intrastate and occasional interstate travel is required, including overnight absences.
  • Occasional out-of-hours work will be required.
  • Public speaking and presentation of technical information to industry, government and community stakeholders will be required.
  • Participation in emergency management and disaster recovery activities may be required.
  • Work in elevated positions and restricted spaces may be required.
  • The incumbent may be required to be involved in the investigation of serious injuries resulting from plumbing related incidents or accidents.

Enquiries:

Mark Romaine
Plumbing Operations Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

Application Instructions:

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and written application of no more than two pages, demonstrating their suitability for the role by addressing the key selection criteria above. Applicants are to include the name, address and contact number of three current referees.

All applicants are required to complete and submit the Employment Declaration.


Applications close: 27/10/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employement Declaration.pdf
- Role Statement - Water Services Specialist P12803 OCT2026.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.