Principal Hydrogeologist – Australia

Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (other locations in Australia are also considered)

About ITASCA

ITASCA is a global, employee-owned, engineering consulting and software firm, founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA in 1980. ITASCA has over 200 personnel globally, among 10 offices in 9 countries. ITASCA consultants solve complex problems in civil, mining, and energy engineering, focusing on geomechanical and hydrogeological projects. In addition, ITASCA develops amongst the most widely used and respected software of their kind: 3DEC, FLAC3D and FLAC2D. DFN.Lab, Griddle, and KATS. MassFlow, MINEDW, PFC, and UDEC. ITASCA Australia Pty Ltd operates from offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Orange and Hobart, supported by a team of experienced engineers. The company delivers specialised geomechanics and hydrogeology consulting services, as well as R&D capabilities, to the mining and civil industries across Australia and internationally.

About the Role

ITASCA Australia is seeking a principal level consultant hydrogeologist, to work primarily on mine water projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the development of the ITASCA hydrogeology business in Australia, helping to shape the team’s long-term direction and vision.
• Identifying, pursuing, and securing local and international hydrogeology consulting opportunities in collaboration with ITASCA Australia and other ITASCA offices.
• Leading opportunity development through to contract finalisation, including resource planning to ensure high-quality, timely project delivery and strong client satisfaction.
• Attending industry conferences and business fairs to strengthen the company’s visibility and market presence.
• Project management: Proposal preparation, project scoping, and project management activities.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary teams across ITASCA's global offices to deliver integrated solutions.
• Undertaking site visits as required, including domestic and international travel.
• Managing and reviewing projects to ensure technical excellence, efficiency, and alignment with client expectations.

Technical leadership:

• Providing technical leadership with a strong understanding of groundwater systems and core hydrogeological principles.
• Supporting and mentoring both senior and junior staff in delivering high-quality project work.
• Participating across all stages of the project workflow, including data analysis, conceptualisation, model development, interpretation, and reporting.
• Developing clear, high-quality technical reports and documentation.

Innovative and creative solutions:

• Identifying opportunities for creative and effective water-management strategies at the interface of hydrogeology and geomechanics.
• Supporting a company culture that values innovation, long-term thinking, and the pursuit of optimal solutions for clients.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings a combination of management and technical capability, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills:

• Experience and industry knowledge: Brings extensive consulting experience, with a minimum of 15 years in the consulting or mining industry, preferably within the Australian market. Has strong familiarity with groundwater numerical modelling tools (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW, MINEDW) and analytical approaches. Possesses experience in the Australian mining sector; exposure to environmental or infrastructure projects is advantageous. Understands the regulatory, commercial, and policy environments in which ITASCA clients operate. Experience with hydrochemistry and water quality projects is desirable.
• Technical and professional capability: Demonstrates a deep understanding of modelling approaches, including alternative options, limitations, and opportunities within a consulting context. Shows creativity, innovation, and strong problem-solving skills, particularly when delivering solutions in complex, coupled or challenging environments. Has proven experience in the technical management of projects and multidisciplinary teams. Brings strong client and project management capabilities and skills.
• Collaboration and communication: Is an effective team member who can respectfully consider alternative interpretations while clearly and constructively expressing their own professional views. Communicates with clarity and confidence when engaging with clients and internal teams. Works collaboratively across the organisation.
• Personal attributes: Maintains a positive, proactive, and professional attitude, with the ability to work independently when required. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to building trusted, long-term client relationships. Respects alternative viewpoints and actively listens to colleagues. Has the capability and motivation to contribute to business development activities, including identifying opportunities and supporting strategic growth.

What ITASCA can Offer

ITASCA offers the following benefits and opportunities:

• A high level of autonomy in how you approach and deliver your work.
• Flexible working conditions (including working from home options).
• We actively welcome fresh ideas and encourage creative, pragmatic and innovative thinking.
• We back people who think differently, solve problems in a smart way and turn innovative concepts into reality.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment, both within Australia and across ITASCA international offices.
• Opportunities to contribute to both consulting projects and software development initiatives.
• Competitive salary based on your skills and experience.
• The opportunity to participate in share ownership.