Engineer - DSS Development Engineering & Planning Services

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Job Number:
980128
Work type:
Permanent Full Time
Location:
Melbourne - Docklands
Categories:
Engineering

Who we are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, and our catchments. We care for water, life, and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, or kayak down the Yarra we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

About the Role

In this role you’ll work closely with developers, consultants, councils and internal specialists to investigate, design, review and continuously improve Development Services Schemes (DSS). You’ll apply DSS principles and Melbourne Water standards to make and support sound engineering and planning recommendations—balancing technical, environmental and customer needs—so that new assets are delivered efficiently and to a high quality.

You’ll help manage a varied portfolio of applications and approvals—such as functional design assessments, business needs (BNI) inputs, pre-application advice and stormwater management strategies—and support the formation of agreements that secure land, works and developer contributions. You’ll work alongside senior engineers for technical oversight while building your delegated decision-making capability over time. With guidance and over sight you will:

  • Assess and manage DSS functional design and growth-area development applications (e.g., permits, subdivision applications, engineering design reviews, certifications/statements of compliance, stormwater management strategies, SEPHA assessments).
  •  Provide statutory decision support and quality control by applying relevant legislation, delegations, policies, guidelines and procedures, and escalating complex matters as required (including support for VCAT/ombudsman/ministerial matters).
  • Apply DSS scheme principles and best-value optioneering to ensure approvals/works offers deliver compliant, efficient, and high-quality drainage and waterway outcomes, including managing interfaces with other infrastructure and environmental risk mitigation.
  • Manage customer and stakeholder relationships as the case manager for allocated matters—working with developers, councils, consultants and internal specialists, handling escalations/complaints, and contributing to community consultation/customer information improvements.

For more information, please refer to the  Position_Description 

Help shape Melbourne’s growth areas by ensuring new communities are built with resilient drainage, healthier waterways and better water outcomes.

About you:

To be successful in this role you will have a:

  • Tertiary qualification in Civil / Land Development Engineering (required)
  • Knowledge of the development industry: subdivision/development processes, plus floodplain, waterway and drainage management and waterway health/liveability outcomes
  • Hydrology/hydraulics/stormwater capability: ability to review and/or undertake flood modelling, stormwater quality assessments, and assess stormwater management strategies
  • Civil design/specification literacy: experience reviewing engineering specifications, documentation and tenders; interpreting technical/environmental assessment reports
  • Project/workload management
  • Systems & process improvement mindset: confident using asset/process management systems (e.g., DevConnect, Maximo) and contributing to workflow/templates/UAT improvements
  • Communication skills with  high-level written and verbal skills, to able to produce clear reports/briefs and explain rationale with evidence

The ideal applicant will be a qualified civil/land development engineer who can confidently assess and progress DSS functional design and statutory development matters whilst balancing technical rigour, customer needs, and environmental outcomes.

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. 

Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, Neurodivergent Individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your application and learn if you could be a great fit. 

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Monday 12th May 2026 at 11:55pm AEST

Advertised:
AUS Eastern Standard Time
Closing:
AUS Eastern Standard Time

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