Chief Engineer

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers

A group of people are sitting at a table looking at a laptop computer.

About the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) drives sustainable growth across Queensland by empowering councils, managing water resources responsibly and supporting Queenslanders through personal, social and emotional recovery during disasters. The Department also supports the Minister on volunteering matters across the state. 


DLGWV’s workforce of over 700 staff across more than 30 offices is committed to ensuring that Queensland’s communities, businesses and water resources are strong, resilient and thriving. 


Following its formation on 1 November 2024, DLGWV continues to deliver on Queensland Government priorities, with a strategic focus on sustainable growth, resource management and community resilience. 

About the Role | Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is a senior executive leadership role responsible for providing high-level engineering and technical advice to government on the planning, assessment, and delivery of critical water infrastructure projects. The role ensures that projects meet legislative requirements, comply with safety standards and deliver long-term benefits to Queensland communities. 


Key Responsibilities: 


  • Provide strategic and operational advice on water infrastructure developments and priorities
  • Assess new project proposals for compliance with legislation, standards, codes and governance frameworks
  • Advise on grant and funding considerations for large-scale infrastructure initiatives
  • Provide expert technical advice on water infrastructure design (particularly dams and weirs) and construction methodology to government, Government Owned Corporations and other key stakeholders
  • Foster collaboration and effective decision-making across the department and partner agencies.
A group of people are sitting around a table looking at a computer screen.
A group of people are sitting around a table with laptops.

About You

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished engineering leader with extensive experience managing large-scale water infrastructure projects. They will bring a deep understanding of project governance, compliance requirements and a commitment to sustainable development outcomes. 


Key Attributes: 

  • A Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Civil Engineering (mandatory)
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Queensland (mandatory)
  • Over 20 years’ experience planning, designing, and delivering major water infrastructure projects
  • Strong leadership and advisory skills, particularly at executive and ministerial levels
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and consultative decision-making capabilities
  • (Desirable) Knowledge of Queensland’s legislative framework for water supply infrastructure.

Links to Additional Information

For additional information about the opportunity and key metrics related to Coexistence Queensland, please click the links below.

Application

DLGWV is committed to building a workforce that truly represents the diverse communities it serves. Applicants from all backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community — are strongly encouraged to apply. 



If you are passionate about making a difference and bringing your authentic self to work, DLGWV would love to hear from you. 

How to Apply

For confidential enquiries please contact, Gerard Kerr, General Manager, Executive Search and Selection, Kingston Human Capital on 0432 544 444 or via email gerard@kingstonhumancapital.com.au


To be considered for this pivotal role, please provide the following information for assessment of your suitability:


  • Your current resume
  • A maximum two-page cover letter addressing your suitability for the position.
Apply Now
A group of people are sitting around a table looking at papers.

Meet the team

 Access key features, receive alerts, and manage your finances from the palm of your hand, ensuring banking fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

News and Insights

By Gerard Kerr • October 9, 2026
Executive Career Transition Support Following Organisational Change Organisational change can create uncertainty for employees, particularly for experienced professionals navigating a significant career transition after many years within the same organisation. When a Queensland Government agency needed confidential, one-on-one career transition support for a senior executive employee, they engaged Kingston Human Capital to deliver a personalised program focused on career planning, professional positioning and future employment preparedness. Through a tailored career transition program, Kingston Human Capital provided executive coaching, career planning, professional branding support, resume development, LinkedIn optimisation, interview preparation and practical job-search guidance. The support was designed to adapt to the participant’s evolving needs while remaining aligned with their experience, aspirations and preferred career pathway. The program helped the participant develop a clear career transition strategy, strengthen their professional profile and approach future opportunities with greater confidence. This case study demonstrates how personalised career transition support can assist professionals during periods of organisational change while providing practical guidance for the next stage of their career journey.
A statutory authority: 116 applications and up to 29 hours of panel time nobody had
By Michelle Bassett • September 28, 2026
A project management role on a major infrastructure program closed with 116 applications. Reading them would have taken the panel up to 29 hours before shortlisting began. Kingston Human Capital took the lot and the authority appointed within five weeks.
Nine roles, three months, a deadline that could not move | Kingston case study
By Michelle Bassett • September 28, 2026
A statutory commission needed nine roles filled before a legislated scheme commenced and did not expect it could be done in time. Kingston Human Capital ran nine campaigns as one program. 534 applications, 37 interviews, nine appointments, 11.6 business days shortlist to report.
Kingston Human Capital Recruitment as a Service
By Michelle Bassett • September 28, 2026
A senior finance leadership role, advertised, extended, and still no competitive field. Kingston Human Capital took the campaign over mid-flight and the department appointed without re-advertising. 44 applications, 4 interviews, 2 suitable candidates, 1 appointment.
By Gerard Kerr • September 28, 2026
About Department of Environment and Science (DES) Queensland boasts one of the most diverse and beautiful environments in the world. Without even counting the Great Barrier Reef and its cultural and economic significance to Queensland and Australia, over 64 million visitors flock to Queensland's national parks, forests, and arts and cultural facilities every year. The Department of Environment and Science (DES) exists to protect Queensland's environment so that future generations can enjoy its beauty. Working closely with local government, stakeholders, and communities, the DES works to achieve a better environmental, economic and social future for Queensland. To continue its vital work of protecting Queensland's beautiful, delicate environment, the team at the DES reached out to Kingston as one of their executive recruitment partners. The DES wanted to make sure they partnered with an executive search firm that used both traditional and contemporary recruitment techniques. In addition to traditional executive search, they saw the power of video and understood how contemporary social media talent attraction campaigns would benefit their recruitment project.
By Gerard Kerr • September 28, 2026
About Screen Queensland Screen Queensland is a government-owned company working to make Queensland a global leader for the film and TV industry. As a result of Screen Queensland, the Sunshine State was host to some of the biggest movies of the past decade, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Kong: Skull Island, and Thor: Ragnarok. In addition to attracting interstate and international productions to Queensland, the company also fosters homegrown talent in Queensland, investing in the diverse, entertaining, and ground-breaking talent in Queensland; creating jobs, stimulating the economy and upskilling our local industry. Screen Queensland has an ambitious plan for the screen and film industry in Queensland, and Kingston Human Capital helped them find an equally ambitious CEO to steer them towards achieving their vision.
By Gerard Kerr • September 28, 2026
About Coexistence Queensland Coexistence Queensland is a unique statutory body dedicated to fostering sustainable relationships between regional communities, landholders, and the energy and resources sector. The organisation plays a critical role in advancing balanced economic, environmental and social outcomes by facilitating dialogue, sharing knowledge and promoting shared value across Queensland. The appointment of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) marked a strategic investment in strengthening organisational leadership. As a newly established executive position, the COO was integral to aligning operations with Coexistence Queensland’s expanded remit and ensuring the organisation’s structure, culture and stakeholder engagement efforts were equipped for a rapidly evolving policy environment. Kingston Human Capital was engaged as a dedicated executive search partner, supporting the Board and CEO to design and deliver a rigorous national recruitment campaign.
By Gerard Kerr • September 28, 2026
About The Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) Established in 2018, Container Exchange (COEX) is a not-for-profit organisation running Queensland’s Containers for Change Scheme, ensuring that over 3 billion drink bottles don't end up as landfill. The Containers for Change Scheme allows people to return eligible drink containers for a 10 cent refund at over 270 sites across Queensland, reducing container litter and encouraging enterprises to raise funds from donations of container refunds. In addition to the Containers for Change Scheme, COEX promotes recycling and helps the local community from donations to charities, community and sports groups, as well as not-for-profit organisations registered with the scheme.
By Gerard Kerr • September 28, 2026
About The Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is a unique government agency that combines property development with specialist planning functions. EDQ has over 20 locations throughout Queensland providing land solutions to help retain existing industry as well as to attract new business investment and development in Queensland. 
By Gerard Kerr • September 25, 2026
About The Department of Education The Department of Education required an Executive Director and Chief Procurement Officer to provide strategic leadership across procurement and facilities functions within one of Queensland's largest and most complex public sector environments. The role sat within the Finance, Procurement and Facilities Branch and required an executive capable of leading large-scale procurement strategy, influencing stakeholders across a decentralised operating environment and delivering commercial outcomes aligned with government priorities.  Kingston Human Capital was engaged to deliver an end-to-end executive recruitment and selection campaign, including executive search, market mapping, assessment, panel facilitation, reference checking and selection reporting
Show More