Drinking Water Quality Scientists help make sure the water that comes out of Australian taps is safe to drink.
You'll monitor water quality from its source, through treatment plants and across the distribution network.
This could involve testing for microorganisms, chemicals and other substances, investigating unusual results and helping identify potential risks before they affect customers.
You'll use scientific knowledge and data to understand what is happening in the water system and work with operators, engineers and other specialists to keep water quality high.
You might also help investigate incidents, improve treatment processes and plan for challenges such as drought, bushfires, floods and climate change.
Your work directly supports public health and helps communities trust the water they rely on every day.
DAY TO DAY WORK
- Monitoring drinking water quality from catchments and water sources through to customers' taps.
- Collecting and reviewing water quality data and laboratory results.
- Investigating unusual results or potential contamination events.
- Assessing risks that could affect drinking water quality.
- Working with laboratories to test water samples for chemicals and microorganisms.
- Supporting water treatment teams to ensure treatment processes are working effectively.
- Helping develop plans to manage water quality risks and incidents.
- Reviewing trends in water quality and identifying potential problems early.
- Preparing reports and communicating scientific findings to technical and operational teams.
- Working with engineers, microbiologists, chemists, operators and regulators to protect drinking water quality.
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
- Interested in science, chemistry, biology or environmental science.
- Curious about where drinking water comes from and how it is treated.
- Enjoys investigating problems and understanding why things happen.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy.
- Interested in protecting public health and the environment.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable working with data, scientific information and technical reports.
- STEM projects involving weather, climate, rivers or water sources.
qualifications for this role
- Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Water Science or Chemical Engineering.
Where you might work
Water utilities and authorities
Consultant Offices
Reservoirs and Dams
Infrastructure Projects
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