Senior Scientist

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Senior Scientist - Temporary opportunity to 30 June 2027
• Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime 
• Lidcombe office location - hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $124,322.00 to $138,494.00 + super + leave loading

Are you an experienced scientist, project manager and adept at fieldwork?

Are your skills relevant to estuarine, coastal and marine environments?

Do you have a passion for delivering impactful science that can inform environmental policy and management decisions in NSW?

If your answer is YES to these questions, then this is a role you really should apply for.

About The Role

Our Water, Wetlands and Coastal Science branch is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Scientist to deliver and support research projects and scientific programs undertaken within the Coastal and Marine Science Team. The Coastal and Marine Science Team are a committed and agile science team that work across multiple coastal and marine environments to build knowledge to inform management and policy decisions. The team works across a variety of programs, including:

• Marine debris – state-wide monitoring of macro debris and microplastics
• Catchment processes – increasing understanding of catchment flows and coastal outflows
• Marine mapping – seabed mapping, seabed typologies and habitats and hydrographic surveys
• Coastal Monitoring – coastal wave monitoring, beach mapping, erosion studies

As a Senior Scientist in the team, you will be part of a supportive and high performing science and research team. Your key responsibility is to manage and support the acquisition, analysis and delivery of environmental data principally related to marine debris and catchment litter research. You will be committed to working collaboratively, with internal and external stakeholders, to deliver customer-focused results from technical and scientific projects and to consistently deliver high quality data, insights and advice.

About You

As a Senior Scientist, you will;

• Coordinate and manage marine debris related project development, implementation and delivery. This includes preparing project plans, identifying and coordinating resources, developing and managing budgets and delivering reports to a high standard, for both research and applied science projects. 
• Provide the expertise to deliver rigorous scientific research programs and establish projects as part of the marine debris research team, in collaboration with the Coastal Marine team, the branch and external collaborators
• Maintain the highest standards of open communication, collaboration, data and knowledge management in accordance with department policies.
• Guide and oversee stakeholder and community engagement activities to foster co-design on the project outcomes and deliverables
• Support the Science and Insights Division on the development, implementation, management and reporting of scientific projects, ensuring that technical and scientific considerations are properly considered by the Division.

You Will Have:

• Experience in developing and leading rigorous science programs
• Demonstrated ability to lead a flexible, multi-disciplinary team maximising opportunities for collaboration and delivering customer focussed results from science programs.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with peers, agencies, and external partners to deliver science program
• Experience designing and implementing scientific research for application in policy and decision making

Essential Requirements

• Scientific degree in a Marine/Coastal/Environmental Science or related field and/or demonstrated experience developing and leading rigorous, field related science programs in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Previous exposure in multidisciplinary teams offering research-based knowledge to support stakeholders and decisionmakers

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Scientist

Who We Are

The  Water, Wetlands and Coastal Science branch sits within the Science, Economics and Insights Division, which is NSW’s premier environmental science function for government.  The branch delivers and supports research projects and scientific programs across multiple teams; Coastal and Marine, Estuaries and catchments, Waters, Wetlands and Beachwatch.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Thursday, 23 October at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Rachael Woods via Rachael.Woods@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 4224 4121.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Mariam Barakat on 0429 667 238 (please mention reference number 544582).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our  Guide for Aboriginal Applicants to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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