Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Office of the Great Barrier Reef; Office of the Great Barrier Reef & World Heritage; Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs; Brisbane City
#Acareerthatmatters #Acontributionthatcounts
Lead scientific excellence that protects one of the world’s most significant natural assets. As Chief Scientific Officer (Water Quality) in the Office of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage, you will provide authoritative scientific leadership and advice to shape water quality and waterway management across Queensland. You will integrate contemporary science into statutory and non-statutory planning frameworks, influence government policy and decision making, and represent the Queensland Government in complex, high profile forums. Working closely with senior leaders, researchers, Traditional Owners and partner agencies, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive sustainable outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s aquatic ecosystems.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Policy & Planning |
| Classification | PO6 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/680588/26 |
| Closing date | 13-Mar-2026 |
| Yearly salary | $147769 – $156144 |
| Fortnightly salary | $5664.00 – $5985.00 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Jodie Ellerman-Jeavons |
| Contact details | Phone: (07) 3330 5027 Access the National Relay Service |
The Office of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage (OGBRWH) sits within the Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs Division of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. OGBRWH coordinates the Queensland Government’s Reef strategies and programs to improve accountability and deliver positive Reef health outcomes, including implementation of the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan and the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
Your contribution: As Chief Scientific Officer (Water Quality), you will provide high level scientific and professional leadership to support environmental strategy, planning and policy development. You will lead the coordination of contemporary scientific knowledge, tools and decision support systems into water quality and waterway management, influence statutory and non-statutory planning frameworks, and investigate complex water related issues to optimise sustainability outcomes.
The role works extensively with senior government leaders, research institutions, regional natural resource management bodies, industry, community groups and all levels of government. You will prepare and review high level advice, briefings and submissions for the Director General, Minister and Cabinet, and represent the department in national and state forums on complex and sensitive water planning matters. The role coordinates a large integrated scientific program across a number of scientific disciplines to bring together information relevant to water quality and catchment management.
This role is suited to an accomplished scientific leader with strong analytical capability, excellent communication skills and the ability to influence outcomes in complex policy environments. You will also have excellent project management oversight skills to coordinate across a range of scientific disciplines. You will foster a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace and lead teams and partnerships to deliver impactful outcomes for Queensland’s environment.
What’s in it for you?
- Enjoy fantastic flexibility, benefits, work life balance, significant development opportunities as a public servant of Queensland!
- Work where you can truly engage your values and sense of purpose to safeguarding the environment for Queenslanders.
- You’ll experience so much here. For most of us, it starts with our wonderful people and the rich, diverse perspectives they bring. They’re dedicated, passionate and curious professionals. We’re all different, and those differences are what make us great. Meet some of our amazing people here:
How to apply:
We are open to assessing your suitability in a way that works for you. For more information on how to apply, including options for adjustments, visit https://www.desi.qld.gov.au/our-departmenrt/employment/why-work-with-us
To apply for this role, please provide us information about:
- your current relevant skills and capabilities for the role
- why you are the best suited person for this role
- how you could support our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.
You can provide these in a succinct resume and short 2-page statement. Refer to the position description for more details
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
