Technical Officer – Rural Development

Salary	Band 3 commencing from $84,664 per year (plus superannuation)
Employment type	Full time
Location	Mildura, Victoria
Applications close	5pm Wednesday 14 October 2026
Mandatory/key requirements	Driver’s Licence, National Criminal History Check and fit-for-work assessment, right to work in Australia

About the role:

Reporting to the Manager Rural Services, the Technical Officer – Rural Development provides specialist advice on irrigation and drainage requirements relating to subdivisions and developments within Lower Murray Water’s rural service area.

This role is responsible for investigating development proposals, preparing statutory referral responses and technical condition letters, conducting asset location and easement investigations, and undertaking field inspections to ensure Lower Murray Water meets its statutory obligations.

Working closely with developers, consultants, councils and internal stakeholders, you’ll help deliver consistent, high-quality customer outcomes while supporting sustainable development and protecting critical rural water infrastructure.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide specialist advice and support on irrigation and drainage requirements for subdivisions and developments.
• Investigate development proposals and prepare technical reports, referrals and condition letters.
• Coordinate statutory referral responses to support planning and development approval processes.
• Conduct asset location investigations, easement enquiries and field inspections, including acceptance of completed works.
• Prepare and coordinate annual submissions relating to properties excised from Rural Irrigation Districts.
• Monitor subdivision progress, compliance obligations and associated risks, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Liaise with developers, consultants, councils and government authorities to resolve enquiries and support effective outcomes.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of systems, procedures and processes that enhance customer experience and operational performance.
• Build positive and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety, environmental and organisational policies and standards.

About you:

You are a technically capable and customer-focused professional who enjoys solving problems, building relationships and contributing to projects that support regional growth.
You have strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical and legislative requirements while delivering quality customer outcomes.

You’ll Bring:

• Experience in the rural water, irrigation, civil construction, planning or development sectors.
• Sound knowledge of engineering principles and development approval processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying relevant legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience using business systems such as GIS and CRM platforms.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience preparing reports and technical correspondence.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with developers, consultants, councils and other stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• An understanding of the Victorian water entitlement framework will be highly regarded.

Why join us?

At Lower Murray Water (LMW), your skills and experience are valued. We encourage innovation and collaboration, and we’re committed to helping you grow. Through ongoing development and learning opportunities, you’ll have the support you need to build a rewarding career.

We offer:

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally suitable.
• Health and wellbeing programs, including EAP support.
• A collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to significant regional infrastructure projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits under our Enterprise Agreement.
• Meaningful work that helps support regional communities and the environment.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

We encourage applications from First Nations Peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people of all ages and life experiences.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences, transferable skills and a willingness to learn.

How to apply:

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the skills you can bring to our team.

Applications should be emailed to recruitment@lmw.vic.gov.au by 5pm Wednesday 14 October 2026.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Vural Karakurt, Manager Rural Services, on 0418 363 362

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Appointment is subject to a national criminal history check and fit-for-work evaluation. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant; each case is assessed on its merits.