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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Creating a talent pool to fill potential upcoming vacancies over the next 18 months
• Office location - Parramatta or key Science & Insights regional locations. Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $109,102 to 120,542 + super

About the Roles

We are looking to build a talent pool of capable people who would be interested in possible upcoming positions as a Scientist across Applied Bushfire Science, Restoration Science and Threatened Species.  

Scientist – Applied Bushfire Science

Provide technical, scientific and analytical support for the implementation of the Applied Bushfire Science Program. The 2019-20 bushfires impacted biodiversity and cultural assets across eastern Australia and exposed many species to increased risk of decline. A future with more frequent and severe fires is inevitable. In response, the Applied Bushfire Science Program (ABSP) was initiated to take a multidisciplinary approach to drive transformational change in bushfire management.

We are looking for multiple specialities that focus on fire management from a wholistic, environmental and Aboriginal cultural scientific world view. 

1. fire ecology / pyro-geography to support the evolution, updating and implementation of the Threatened Species Hazard reduction list and fire management in general.
2. soil science and eDNA
3. spatial analysis and remote sensing / mapping technologies / field support
4. ecological field-based monitoring and data interpretation

For more information read the full Role Description: Scientist and Statement of works - Scientist Applied Bushfire Science

Scientist – Restoration Science

The roles will contribute to strategic initiatives across land tenures and stakeholders. Strategic initiatives include:

• responding to recommendations of the reviews of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 including the development of a nature-positive Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and a net-gain Biodiversity Assessment Method. 
• Responding to the recommendations of the NSW Plan for Nature including the development of a Nature Strategy and a Landscape Restoration Framework.

The roles will provide technical, scientific and analytical support to these initiatives and their related restoration science and research programs and projects. These projects may include:

• Lead compilation of empirical data on restoration outcomes and contribute to meta-analysis of data using R statistical software to guide better on-ground restoration decision making and to identify knowledge gaps.
• Co-develop an interactive database for evidence of effects of restoration actions from a range of empirical and published data sources.

For more information read the full Role Description: Scientist and Statement of works - Scientist Restoration Science

Scientist - Threatened Species

Scientist priorities are to design, and drive applied conservation research and monitoring projects for threatened species in NSW. This role provides expert scientific and analytical guidance across key threatened species programs including Saving our Species and the NSW Koala Strategy, ensuring research is aligned with legislative requirements and conservation priorities.

Undertake the role description key accountabilities in the context of:

• Assist in the development and delivery of priority conservation research and monitoring programs for threatened species that meet organisational objectives and appropriate standards of rigour.
• Work collaboratively to identify priority knowledge gaps for threatened species and support research to address, including through adaptive management

For more information read the full Role Description: Scientist and Statement of Works - Scientist Threatened Species

About You

We’re looking for candidates who bring a strengths in scientific expertise and project leadership.

The ideal applicants will have demonstrated experience with:

• Scientific Project Delivery: Proven ability to deliver rigorous science projects that meet organisational objectives and uphold high standards of scientific integrity.
• Project Support & Coordination: Experience supporting senior staff in managing large, complex scientific or technical projects, including coordinating resources, monitoring timelines, and managing budgets.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills to maintain collaborative networks across internal departments, universities, government agencies, and research providers.
• Scientific Communication: Ability to provide timely, clear, and relevant advice to stakeholders, ensuring scientific and technical considerations are effectively integrated into decision-making processes.
• Team Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Demonstrated commitment to team building, open communication, and science knowledge management to support effective collaboration and continuous learning.
• Documentation & Reporting: Skilled in preparing project documentation such as status updates, reports, research publications, budgets, and discussion papers, and delivering concise presentations to small groups. 
• Project Methodology Development: Capacity to assist in identifying and applying project management methodologies that enhance the delivery of scientific outcomes.
• Implementation Oversight: Ability to manage specific aspects of scientific project implementation, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and quality standards.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant science degree qualification.

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.

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 Sunday 2^nd November at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the Scientist – Applied Bushfire Science role please contact Gregory Summerell via gregory.summerell@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0427 907 213.

Should you require further information about the Scientist – Restoration Science role please contact Ian Oliver via Ian.oliver@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0418 208 325.

Should you require further information about the Scientist – Threatened Species role please contact Jane DeGabriel on 0400 697 256

A recruitment pool will 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.nsw.gov.au or contacting Jessica Smith via jessica.smith@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0438 323 466 (please mention reference number 545627).

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 

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