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

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is currently seeking to appoint three Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) members.

All research and education activities involving live non-human vertebrates and cephalopods in NSW are controlled by legislation that aims to ensure that projects are conducted ethically and with full regard to the welfare of animals. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Animal Ethics Committee is responsible for reviewing, approving, and monitoring all departmental staff's animal research and teaching activities.

The AEC oversees a range of projects that involve the capture and handling of wildlife (native and introduced) as well as those that use observational techniques (such as bird surveys, spotlighting or remotely operated cameras). The purpose of the research is usually related to improving our knowledge and management of native and introduced fauna in the landscape of NSW. Each committee member is required to assess these projects by balancing the potential benefits to humans, animals, and/or the environment with the potential impact on the well-being of the animals involved. DCCEEW is not involved in medical or agricultural research involving animals.

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP

The AEC is made up of members with expertise in veterinary medicine (category A), wildlife research (category B), animal welfare (category C), and independent members (category D) who represent the views of the broader community and a chairperson. Appointments to the AEC are for a three-year term with an option for a second three-year term.

Membership criteria are outlined in Section 2.2.4 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8^th Edition 2013 (NHMRC 2013) (the Code).

We are currently seeking one Category C and two Category D members to join the AEC.

The criteria for Category C membership are:

a person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.

The criteria for Category D membership are:

a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

In addition to the above, the Animal Research Review Panel, who are the statutory body under the Animal Research Act 1985 makes the following recommendations:

A curriculum vitae (CV) is required to be submitted to the Panel, demonstrating the relevant independence.

MEETING SCHEDULE & WORKLOAD

Meeting dates are set on an annual basis with eight scheduled AEC meetings of the committee each year. An executive committee meeting may be held one week prior to an AEC meeting. It is important that members can commit to attending most meetings as a quorum is required for decisions to be made by the AEC. Meetings are held on Tuesdays commencing at 10:00 am online by videoconference. Meetings usually conclude by 3:00 pm, but occasionally may take longer.

Additional meetings are occasionally held and travel to research locations in regional NSW is sometimes offered.

Members must become familiar with the relevant animal research legislation and guidelines. The department provides support to assist this process. Members are expected to familiarise themselves with all project applications and other reading material before each meeting.

Occasionally it may be necessary to review material outside of normal meetings and an email response may be required at short notice. You will need access to a reliable internet service.

SITTING FEES

A meeting preparation and sitting fee of $440 (2 days) is paid for AEC meetings. For executive meetings, a sitting fee of $120 (half day) is paid.

For any meetings or inspections that require travel, a sitting fee of $220 is paid plus any transport costs being paid for or reimbursed by the department.

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

Members of the public are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest and CV by email to the Senior Team Leader, Animal Research Ethics team (details below) by 11:55pm 19th May 2025. This is to demonstrate how you fulfil the requirements set out above.

All applications are subject to review and this review process may take several months. All applicants will be advised of the outcome once the review and appointment has been finalised.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Emmanuel Christie via emmanuel.christie@environment.nsw.gov.au or on 0406 883 112.

For more information about animal ethics committees see:
http://www.animalethics.org.au/

For more information read the full Role Description:  Category C & Category D

About Us

DCCEEWs vision is to create thriving environments, communities and economies for the people of New South Wales. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organization that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and seeks to embed Aboriginal cultural awareness and knowledge throughout the department.

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. DCCEEW supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

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.

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 Diversity team can assist to:

• provide alternative formats to apply
• make adjustments to the recruitment process
• offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks

We encourage people with disability to apply. If you have disability and require more information on adjustments and assistance to apply, contact the Diversity team on Diversity@DPIE.nsw.gov.au

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out Our Mob on Country to see the work we do and get assistance in applying.