Principal Works Engineer

Posted: 05/06/2025

Closing Date: 01/07/2025

Job Type: Permanent - Full-time

Location: Warwick Qld

Job Category: Engineers, Designers & Technical Officers

Are you ready to take the next step in your engineering career?

Join our dynamic Works Department and take ownership of a diverse portfolio of projects and programs that shape our community’s infrastructure and future.

Your Opportunity

As a leader within the Works Department of the Infrastructure, Assets and Projects Directorate, you will:

• Lead a team of technical officers and project managers.
• Drive the successful management and delivery of capital projects and programs.
• Provide strategic leadership and mentoring to a skilled and diverse team.
• Deliver expert engineering guidance, technical advice, and design support.
• Champion operational excellence and contribute to the continuous improvement of departmental performance.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and motivated engineer to step into a pivotal leadership role within Council—where your expertise will make a tangible difference.

A commuter use vehicle, with the option to purchase restricted personal use, may be available for the successful candidate. 

Term:                         Full-time Permanent

Hours of Work:         72.5 hours per fortnight / 9-day fortnight

Pay Level:                 $4,244.62 to $4,754.21 per fortnight (Level 8), plus12.5% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading 

Employment Base:  Warwick 

What You Will Do

For full details of the Key Responsibilities of this position, please download the Position Description by clicking HERE.  

(Note: For applicants viewing this job vacancy through SEEK.com, you will be able to access the Position Description by clicking on the "Apply" button, or by visiting the job advertisement on our website at www.https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies).

• Initiates projects and programs of Construction and Maintenance programs and projects of Councils roadworks and drainage assets in a cost-effective manner whilst also meeting the needs of the community;
• Lead the development and implementation of works program including effective project planning, contract administration, work scheduling around critical path, quality control and safety management of construction and maintenance programs of all roads and road infrastructure assets (sealed and unsealed) to ensure timely delivery within budget and performance requirement;
• Provide leadership to the Works engineering and technical team and support their development in line with Department objectives and manage performance and cultural transformational outcomes.
•  Lead the engineering and technical team to provide mentoring, leadership, training, program management and project administration support to the Works day labour crews in the delivery of construction and maintenance projects;

What You Will Need

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• The legal right to live and work in Australia;
• Qualification of at least degree level in civil engineering;
• Registration as a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) by the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland or equivalent, or registration to be obtained within 6 months;
• A Class C (car) licence or greater;
• A white construction card or the ability to obtain one is a mandatory requirement for this role;
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in contemporary municipal civil engineering, with a strong focus on roads and stormwater infrastructure. Demonstrated expertise in the design, construction, and maintenance of civil assets, including a thorough understanding of relevant standards, industry techniques, and best construction practices;
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities, with a proven capacity to develop and implement effective management systems that support informed decision-making and continuous improvement;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and engage constructively with staff, stakeholders, and the community;
• Proven project management capabilities, including the ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects on time, within scope, and in alignment with quality and budgetary requirements;
• To be able to demonstrate your competence in relation to all of the Selection Criteria as detailed in the Position Description. 

What We Offer

At Southern Downs Regional Council, our people are our strength. With this front of mind, we provide a wide range of benefits and a holistic approach to supporting our employees, including:

• Generous leave provisions including Special Family Leave, Cultural Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
• Competitive wages, conditions and allowances
• Improved work-life balance opportunities, such as a 9-day work fortnight and consideration of other flexible work options
• Salary packaging and remote area benefits available, which can significantly increase tax savings and take-home pay
• Discounted corporate health insurance plans 
• Access to a wide range of health and wellness initiatives, including free, skin checks, flu vaccinations and wellness medicals, and discounted gym memberships
• Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families (24/7 access). This service includes counselling, financial coaching, nutritional support and legal referrals, as well as access to specialised wellbeing support for LGBTIQA+ individuals, First Nations people, and individuals experiencing domestic and family violence through dedicated helpline
• Opportunities for on and off the job personal and professional development (study assistance available in accordance with Council policy)

To view comprehensive details of our employee value offering, please click HERE. (Note when viewing this job vacancy through SEEK.com - you will be able to access this link once by clicking on the "Apply" button, or by visiting the job advertisement on our website at www.https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies)

Further Information

For further information about this role and working for Southern Downs Regional Council, please refer to the documents below:

(Note when viewing this job vacancy on SEEK.com - the links to information below will only be available once you click on the "Apply" button. Alternatively, you can access them via the job advertisement on our website at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies).

• Position Description 
• Join Southern Downs Regional Council (detailed employment information, including employee benefits)
• Our Values 
• Living on the Southern Downs

If you have any additional enquiries in relation to this position, please contact James Varughese on ph 07 4661 6201.

Apply Now!

At SDRC, we believe that diversity enriches our workplace, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes. We welcome applications from qualified people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and abilities, who have applicable working rights in Australia. 

To apply for this opportunity, you will be asked to complete an online application form and provide: 

• A written response (maximum 2 pages, dot points acceptable) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key responsibilities and meet the selection criteria of this role (as outlined in the Position Description); and
• Your current CV or Resume.

When you are ready to begin your application, please click on the "Apply" button below to be taken to our online application portal. Please ensure you provide all of the information requested and that your application is lodged by the closing date (as shown above). Should you have any difficulty lodging your application online, please contact our People & Culture team on ph 1300 697 372 for assistance. 

We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications Close: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at 11.59pm

About the Department

The Works Department falls within the Infrastructure, Assets and Projects Directorate. It's function is to deliver essential services to the community by planning, designing, constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, culverts, stormwater infrastructure, kerb and channel, footpaths and street lighting.  In addition, the Works department provides services to the Department of Transport and Main Roads under contract to maintain sections of the state-controlled road network within Southern Downs. The department further governs activities conducted by members of the community, such as the construction of private driveway accesses.

Working within the SDRC Works Department will offer you the satisfaction of directly delivering infrastructure services for the Southern Downs community.