Regional Hydrology Manager

~ The Bureau of Meteorology is an agency in the Environment portfolio of the Australian Government. ~

As Australia's national weather, climate and water agency, the Bureau's expertise and services assist Australian's and other nations in preparing for, and responding to the harsh realities of their natural environment. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice, the Bureau provides one of the most fundamental and widely used services of government.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced hydrologist or engineer with strong management and communication skills and the personal drive and energy to lead a small team of dedicated professionals who provide a vital forecasting and warning service to the Australian public.

The Regional Hydrology Manager is the prime point of contact for external stakeholders within the Western Australian flood warning services, water information activities and leading the Western Australian Flood Warning Centre in the provision of the flood forecasting services in Western Australia.

This role requires extended working hours during major flood events and potential interstate travel, with appropriate compensation in accordance with the Bureau of Meteorology Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014.

Responsibilities 

Duty Statement: 

• Under the direction of the Manager, Flood Forecasting and Warning Operations (STFF) plan and manage the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program in Western Australia and contribute to improving levels of service, policies and strategies of the national flood warning service as well as lead business development for flood and water forecasting related services in Western Australia.
• Under the direction of the Regional Director, Western Australia, supervise and lead flood forecasting teams during flood events. Develop strong operational relationships with regional forecasting centre, the National Operations Unit, regional cluster partners and Bureau National Operations Centre (BNOC). Represent the Regional Director (Western Australia) as required on committees and at meetings dealing with Flood Forecasting and warning and floodplain management matters.
• Provide effective and efficient leadership and day to day management of any staff assigned to the Western Australia Flood Forecasting and Warning Unit and support their ongoing professional development through coaching, mentoring, performance management and training. Coordinate the development and maintenance of operational flood forecasting competence for all staff registered as having, or seeking competency in Western Australia.
• Lead, and provide the secretariat for, the regional Flood Warning Consultative Committee process to create strong working relationships between all members, and develop an effective and efficient flood forecasting warning service.
• Supervise the development and maintenance of flood prediction techniques, operating procedures and directives consistent with the national policy and standards developed by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Branch. Monitor and report the performance of flood forecasting services to STFF and the Regional Director, Western Australia.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to provide the business requirements for flood and water forecasting related services in Western Australia liaising with regional program managers and the Regional Director, Western Australia.
• Act as the business owner for the flood warning network in Western Australia. This role includes: leading stakeholder engagement; monitoring and reporting on network performance; providing flood warning service requirements for prioritisation of annual work plans in Observations and Infrastructure and Information Systems and Services Divisions.
• Represent the Bureau at meetings and other fora as appropriate in Western Australia and contribute to the development of services in Western Australia.
• Represent Flood Forecasting and Warning and Water Information Programs at meetings and other forums as appropriate in Western Australia and contribute to the development of corresponding services.
• Lead your team in supporting Bureau Work Health and Safety (WHS) initiatives ensure your team complies with Bureau WHS procedures and keep your own state of knowledge current in line with the industry state of knowledge in your role.
• Ensure that plans, policies and practices in relation to the various elements of the Bureau's Social Justice Strategy are applied to the work area, and that training and development programs are implemented for subordinate staff. 

Qualifications  

• A proven record of high quality work experience and professional competence in hydrology, hydraulics and/or water engineering, supported by relevant qualifications.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a flood forecasting team during challenging operational situations, including determining priorities and resource requirements, briefing emergency management partners and the media, and working outside normal working hours.
• Significant expertise in the development, validation and application of hydraulic and hydrological models; experience flood modelling, especially operational forecasting, is an advantage. Experience in the management of flood warning or related field networks is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop positive collaborations with stakeholders, foster high performing teams, manage budgets and deliver projects is essential. Experience preparing business cases and establishing and promoting new services is desirable.
• Suitable personal attributes for the role include well-developed interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, timely decision making, initiative and high-level oral and written communications skills (clear and concise). Demonstrated commitment to leadership, mentoring and cultivating productive working relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of the Bureau's Social Justice Policies and a commitment to apply them in practice. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Here!" for more information and application instructions.