Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Permanent ongoing opportunity
- Full-time role - 35 hours per week + Flex Time offered
- Parramatta location - hybrid working supported
- Salary ranges from $124,322.00 to $138,494.00 + super + leave loading
Our Climate & Atmospheric Science Branch is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Scientist Adaptation in an ongoing capacity.
Join the team and play a pivotal role in shaping NSW’s response to climate change. In this role, you will lead and deliver cutting-edge climate adaptation science, providing expert advice and actionable insights to inform policy and strategy. Your work will focus on understanding climate extremes, risks, and impacts, and developing innovative adaptation strategies that safeguard communities and ecosystems particularly within built environments. You will develop and apply adaptation typologies, scenarios and pathways to assess the effectiveness of different adaptation options, supporting NSW Government decision-making on land-use planning, infrastructure, risk management and resilience.
We’re looking for a collaborative, strategic thinker with extensive technical expertise in data analysis and modelling, who can manage projects, guide teams, and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences. If you’re passionate about driving climate resilience and influencing real-world outcomes, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
About You
As a Senior Scientist, you’ll lead impactful climate adaptation research as part of a collaborative, high-performing team. You’ll manage multidisciplinary projects, and deliver high-quality data, advice, and research outputs that inform policy and build resilience for NSW. In this role, you will focus on climate adaptation in built environments, developing innovative solutions to reduce the impacts of key hazards such as urban heat, flooding, and bushfires, while strengthening resilience in urban settings.
To be successful in this role, you have:
- Expertise in climate change adaptation, climate extremes, and/or multi-hazard risks (e.g., floods, drought, bushfires, heatwaves).
- Applied research and quantitative analysis skills with a focus on reducing climate risk in the built environment.
- Strong analytical skills to review literature and identify knowledge gaps to develop high quality, cost-effective climate science projects that meet organisational objectives
- An ability to communicate complex scientific insights clearly to stakeholders and diverse audiences.
- Advanced project management skills to coordinate priorities and deliver results on time.
- Experience producing high-quality outputs such as reports, publications, and briefing materials.
- Commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
Essential Requirements
- Scientific qualifications, well-developed knowledge and demonstrated experience of one or more of the following: climate science, environmental science (ecology, hydrology), engineering (especially related to infrastructure), and data analysis
Desirable experience / skills (please address in your cover letter)
- PhD or equivalent experience in climate science, environmental science, engineering, planning, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience using modelling tools and analytical approaches to assess climate risk and resilience, particularly in built-environment contexts.
- Advanced skills in Python for analysing large climate datasets; experience with ArcGIS and/or QGIS for spatial analysis.
- Proven ability to translate complex scientific analysis into planning, policy, and decision-relevant insights.
- A strong track record of delivering high-quality scientific outputs, such as peer-reviewed publications, technical reports or applied research products.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Scientist Adaptation SPSE
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 (please mention Desirable experience / skills outlined above in advert).
Applications close Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact hiring manager Dr Maryam Farzadkhoo, Principal Scientist, Adaptation, Impact and Risk Science via maryam.farzadkhoo@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.
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.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates
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 Alex Blair on 02 8275 1761 (available from 12 January 2026) or Ronda Swaysland (available from 19 January 2026) on 0400 288 239 (please mention reference number 545912).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Guide for Aboriginal Applicants to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
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Role Description
