Local recruitment: Senior Scientist

Are you passionate about making a difference for NSW communities and addressing climate change challenges?

Together, we create thriving environments, communities, and economies.

Senior Scientist, Climate Change Adaptation Team, Water Wetlands and Coastal Science Branch

Organisation / Entity: Strategic Policy, Science and Engagement

Location: Lidcombe, Sydney

Employment type: Temporary (30 June 2026), Full-time

Classification: Environment Officer Class 9

Job reference number: 540812

Salary: $120,701 to $134,460 + Super

Closing date: 25/02/2025 – 11:55 PM

Summary

The Water, Wetlands, and Coastal Science Branch within the Science and Insights Division seeks a motivated “Senior Scientist” to provide advanced technical, scientific, and analytical support for programs in coastal, estuarine, and wetland science and engineering, with  particular focus on climate change adaptation.

About the role

In this position, you will lead and contribute to research initiatives focused on understanding the responses of coastal, estuarine, and wetland systems to various climate change scenarios, while exploring adaptation strategies to mitigate risks. Your work will involve conducting coastal and estuarine inundation modelling, risk and exposure assessments, catchment hydrology and flooding studies, and hydrodynamic modelling. You will utilise advanced numerical modelling tools, GIS platforms, and programming languages to deliver high-quality scientific insights. You wil collaborate closely within the Department and with academia and end users to ensure our science meets the needs of the NSW Government and our communities.

About you

As a “Senior Scientist”, you will be a key member of a supportive and high-performing team, dedicated to delivering exceptional results. You thrive in collaborative environments, working effectively with geographically dispersed project teams to produce customer-focused outcomes. You consistently uphold the highest standards of quality in data delivery, advice, and research outputs.

You will:

• Shape and influence the direction of scientific research on coastal, estuarine, and wetland environments and ecosystms within the branch and more broadly across the Science and Insights Division and DCCEEW.
• Deliver clear, high-quality insights to stakeholders on project outcomes and topics related to coastal systems, catchment hydrology, and climate change adaptation.
• Work seamlessly with teams across various locations to achieve shared goals, foster knowledge sharing, and support organisational priorities.
• Ensure robust data handling, efficient management, and seamless transfer of knowledge across projects and teams.
• Produce technical reports, plain English summaries, communications collateral, project management plans, research publications, briefing notes, and responses to inquiries.
• Create and deliver engaging presentations that simplify technical information for a wide range of audiences, from experts to non-specialists.

Essential requirements & key experience

• A scientific degree in a relevant field.
• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, delivering high-quality technical and non-technical outputs.
• Proven expertise in leading and delivering coastal, estuarine, and wetland science and engineering projects, including modelling estuarine and wetland processes (e.g., tidal dynamics, saltwater intrusion, sea-level rise inundation, etc.).
• Advanced skills in GIS, programming, and numerical modelling of hydrodynamics (e.g., Delft3D, TUFLOW, etc.), as well as expertise in inundation, geomorphology, and climate scenarios.
• In-depth knowledge of catchment hydrology and flooding, as well as the responses of coastal and inland wetlands to climate change. Familiarity with NARCLiM2.0 projections is advantageous.
• A strong track record of publications in high-impact journals and presentations at prestigious conferences.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Scientist

For more information hit Apply to visit the iworkfor.nsw.gov.au website.

Who we are

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.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

How 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.

We encourage interested applicants to contact our team to discuss the role in more detail. For further information, please reach out to Dr Danial Khojasteh, Team Leader, Climate Change Adaptation via danial.khojasteh@environment.nsw.gov.au

Applications close Tuesday 25^th of February at 11:55 PM.

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.

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.

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 our Talent Acquisition Specialist, Tom Jackson, via tom.jackson@dpie.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 540812).

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