Hydrogeologist for Agricultural Water Projects (APEP)

About the role

The Australia–Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP) seeks an experienced Hydrogeologist to provide rapid, independent technical advice on agricultural water infrastructure requests across PNG. The consultant will assess feasibility, suitability and cost‑effectiveness of borehole, pump and irrigation solutions, supporting drought‑related water constraints.

Key responsibilities

• Rapidly assess partner requests, confirming water constraints, user needs and urgency.
• Conduct desk reviews and site assessments to determine feasibility, suitability and cost‑effectiveness of proposed water solutions.
• Evaluate existing and potential water sources for yield, quality and reliability during drought conditions.
• Advise on borehole siting, drilling, rehabilitation and testing, and prepare specifications for pumps, storage tanks and irrigation systems.
• Support procurement by reviewing quotations, supervising drilling and installation, and verifying testing and commissioning against specifications.
• Manage environmental and social safeguards, land and water‑access arrangements, asset ownership, operator training and maintenance responsibilities.

Required profile

• Degree in hydrogeology, geology, water resources or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial practical experience in rural groundwater assessment, borehole siting, drilling supervision, pumping‑test interpretation and water‑quality assessment.
• Proven ability to assess sustainable water supply under seasonal or drought conditions for small agricultural or community systems.
• Experience preparing feasibility recommendations, procurement specifications and verifying completed works.
• Understanding of source protection, environmental and social risks, and inclusive consultation with rural communities.
• Ability 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
• Solar pumping systems
• Efficient irrigation design