Australia nationals: Research Scientist Ecosystem Restoration

Who we are
The Office of the Supervising Scientist is responsible for protecting the environment of the Alligator Rivers Region, including Kakadu National Park, from the effects of uranium mining. We conduct independent research and monitoring, participate in and oversee the regulatory process for uranium mining in the region and develop standards and practices for environmental protection.

The Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist conducts world-leading research for monitoring and assessing the environmental impacts of uranium mining. We are a multidisciplinary institute with research programs spanning environmental radioactivity, water and sediment quality, ecosystem restoration, geomorphology, omics, drone remote sensing and environmental applications of artificial intelligence.

The Ecosystem Restoration and Landform Team focuses on ecosystem establishment and sustainability and landform stability as part of the mine site rehabilitation process. You will be part of a small team providing expert advice and managing research projects including fieldwork.

The Job

Provide operational level technical expertise on mine site rehabilitation planning and monitoring with a focus on ecosystem establishment and sustainability as part of the mine site rehabilitation assessment process.
Assist in the management and design of research projects, analysing data and preparing scientific publications and reports, including of fieldwork where required.
Communicate research findings and project work in a range of fora (e.g. operational to technical level).
Assist with the management of strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, resolving conflict and managing sensitivities.
Assist in managing departmental staff and contractors and corporate functions such as budgets, contracts and procurement.
Contribute to the work of other research programs.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be used to fill one non-ongoing vacancy. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant would be employed for a period of 8 months. Should a position become ongoing then the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of twelve months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

Knowledge of ecosystem restoration and/or tropical ecology
Experience in providing advice on ecosystem establishment, sustainability, monitoring and management.
Experience managing and delivering scientific research projects.
Knowledge of innovative methods to conduct environmental monitoring including the use of remote sensors.
Experience managing ecological field work.
Experience in connecting and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to deliver business outcomes.

Skills and capabilities

Good technical writing skills as well as the ability to produce plain English summaries of technical information.
Experience in doing fieldwork in remote locations and ensuring compliance with Work, Health and Safety polices.
Ability to manage resources, timelines and budgets.
Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and of a larger multidisciplinary environmental research institute.
Ability to communicate science to technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong aptitude for learning and applying new concepts and data analysis methods.

Mandatory Qualifications

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from an Australian University or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university, or other qualifications/experience appropriate to the duties.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Job Description