Hydrogeologist for Agricultural Water Projects

About the role

The Hydrogeologist will provide independent technical advice to support the Australia‑Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) in rapidly responding to drought‑related water infrastructure requests across rural PNG.

Key responsibilities

• Rapidly assess partner water‑related requests, confirming constraints, users, agricultural needs and urgency.
• Conduct desk reviews and site assessments to determine feasibility, suitability and cost‑effectiveness of proposed solutions.
• Evaluate existing and potential water sources, advise on borehole siting, drilling, testing and sustainable yield.
• Prepare or review technical specifications for pumps, storage tanks and irrigation systems, coordinating with engineering specialists.
• Support procurement by reviewing quotations, supervising drilling and installation, and verifying compliance with specifications.
• Assist partners with environmental and social safeguards, land‑water access arrangements, asset ownership, training and maintenance plans.

Required profile

• Degree in hydrogeology, geology, water resources or related field with professional expertise in groundwater assessment.
• Extensive practical experience in rural groundwater assessment, borehole siting, drilling supervision, pumping‑test interpretation and water‑quality analysis.
• Proven ability to produce concise feasibility recommendations, procurement specifications and to verify completed works.
• Understanding of source protection, environmental/social risks and inclusive community consultation.
• Capability to work independently, communicate technical findings clearly and travel to remote PNG locations.

Required skills

• Groundwater assessment
• Borehole siting and drilling supervision
• Pumping‑test interpretation
• Water‑quality assessment
• GIS and geophysical survey techniques
• Solar pumping systems
• Storage tank design and efficient irrigation