Senior Scientific Officer

The Office of Water Science is currently looking for people with a strong water science background in to join our team.
You will get to apply your scientific knowledge and leadership skills to lead scientific advices and assessments relating to water resources and water dependent assets.
We are looking for skilled individuals who are motivated by scientific integrity and the role of science in decision making.
You will be working in a diverse team, actively engaging with a range of stakeholders within and outside the Department.

Who we are
The Office of Water Science sits within the Environmental Water and Aquatic Ecosystems Division. The Division supports the delivery of the government’s statutory and policy functions regarding the management of environmental water, wetlands of international importance, and the assessment of impacts on water resources. The division also provides technical and scientific advice and support to the department, the Executive and the Minister to develop water-related policy and engagement. It includes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH), the Office of Water Science, and the Wetlands Section which supports the Australian Government in its international engagement on the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). The Division works to deliver environmental outcomes under the framework of the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan 2012 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act), working closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, First Nations, community and industry groups, local landholders and scientists. We undertake roles ranging from water planning, portfolio management, science, policy development, statutory reporting, communication, engagement, technical advice and secretariat support.

The Office of Water Science sits within the Environmental Water, Northern Basin and Water Science branch. In addition to housing the Office of Water Science, this branch also houses the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s Office Environmental Water Science and Monitoring Section and the Northern Basin Delivery Section.

The Office of Water Science provides scientific and secretariat support to enable the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to meet its obligations under the EPBC Act, and to provide scientific support for other water and environmental policy, reform or management agendas. The Office of Water Science comprises scientists, policy, engagement and secretariat officers. We have several functions including:

Providing scientific, secretariat and engagement support to the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development (the IESC).
Providing scientific advice on the potential impacts to water resources from a wide range of proposed developments being assessed under the EPBC Act.
Providing scientific and policy advice to support key initiatives, such as nature positive and water reform agendas.

The Job
As a Senior Scientist in the Scientific Advice Team, you will:

Lead scientific review of impact assessments for projects proposed under Commonwealth legislation to support regulatory decision-making. The type of projects being assessed is diverse and not limited to a specific sector or development type. Examples include mines, windfarms, airports, aquaculture, irrigation, or environmental water works and residential or industrial developments.
Lead scientific technical assessments of scientific and environmental approval documentation to develop summary material for the IESC.
Lead delivery of the scientific/technical material to the IESC and regulators through a variety of media forms and presentations.
Analyse and interpret scientific data and provide summaries to audiences with a range of backgrounds that will enable robust decision-making.
Lead engagement with regulators and project proponents, specialised consultants, and other government agencies on scientific and technical matters, as well as best practice and industry standards.
Lead on mentoring and managing junior staff and contributing to the OWS leadership agenda.
Lead procurement and project management for products aimed at improving industry practice, or scientific knowledge for assessing, monitoring, and managing impacts to water resources.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

A degree and experience in a relevant science discipline relating to hydrogeology, hydrology, ecohydrology or similar water sciences such as numerical modelling, reservoir engineering, hydro-geochemistry, and aquatic ecology, ecohydrology or groundwater ecology, environmental engineering, fish biology or wetland ecology.
3-5 years+ experience working in a role(s) relevant to the position.
Experience in analysing and synthesising one or more of the following: hydrogeological, groundwater modelling, hydrological, ecological and/or hydroecological data, or other water science data, and information, and technical reports.
Experience in groundwater or surface water management or assessment roles, such as water resource planning and management, mining/oil and gas sector, urban water management, or other roles relating to water resources.
Knowledge of scientific best practice standards and guidelines as they relate to water resource modelling and/or management are an advantage.
Knowledge of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and/or familiarity with relevant state legislation relating to water resources would also be beneficial but not essential.
Experience leading small teams or projects is desirable.

Skills and capabilities

High level scientific expertise in one or more of the following, as it relates to water resources:
- Conceptual and/or field hydrogeology or hydrology
- Hydrogeological and hydrological assessments and characterisation
- Groundwater or surface water modelling
- Water quality and hydrochemistry
- Surface-groundwater connectivity
- Water-dependent ecosystems
- Aquatic ecology
- ecohydrology
- Or similar water sciences such as numerical modelling, reservoir engineering, hydro-geochemistry, groundwater ecology, environmental engineering, fish biology or wetland hydrology/ecology.
High level investigative and analytical skills, and the ability to draw on available evidence to identify issues, develop practical solutions and initiate change when required.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to listen and adapt to various audiences; and persuasively convey ideas and concepts in a simple, understandable manner, and to lead preparation of impartial advice.
High level interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and form positive, productive working relationships with team members and stakeholders.
High level organisational skills, including being able to work in a dynamic environment, prioritise multiple activities and deliver against short timeframes.
Take personal responsibility for accurate completion of work, and understand and comply with legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks.
Ability to lead and navigate collaborations within multi-disciplinary teams and external partnerships with such as Commonwealth and State regulators, other commonwealth agencies or scientific research organisations.
Specific experience and skills in hydrogeology and/or groundwater modelling are considered highly desirable, but not essential.

Desirable Qualifications
A post graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant water-science related discipline, is desirable but not mandatory.

Mandatory qualifications
A degree and experience in a relevant science discipline relating to hydrogeology, hydrology, ecohydrology or similar water sciences such as numerical modelling, reservoir engineering, hydro-geochemistry, and aquatic ecology, ecohydrology or groundwater ecology, environmental engineering, fish biology or wetland ecology.

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.

Security Clearance – This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Job Description