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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Apply your scientific and spatial analysis expertise to protect and manage NSW’s most iconic wetland ecosystems.
• Temporary (Up to June 2027) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Lidcombe office location, hybrid working supported.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $109,102 to $120,542 + super

Our Science and Insights team is currently seeking to appoint a Scientist. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of vegetation condition across some of NSW’s most significant wetland ecosystems.

In this role, you’ll undertake vegetation field surveys across diverse wetland environments, working closely with scientists, analysts and project teams. This field‑based work is complemented by advanced spatial and statistical analysis and high‑quality data management, contributing to the delivery of wetland vegetation mapping, modelling and condition assessments.

About You

You are a scientist with strong analytical capability and a passion for applying data‑driven approaches to real‑world environmental challenges. You bring experience working with spatial and ecological datasets and are confident using analytical tools and workflows to support vegetation assessment, monitoring and reporting. Your background in environmental science or ecology enables you to understand vegetation communities, wetland systems and the importance of high‑quality, well‑managed data.

Just as importantly, you enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team and are comfortable balancing office‑based analytical work with extended periods of fieldwork. You communicate complex scientific information clearly, contribute positively to team culture and demonstrate resilience when working in remote and challenging environments. Your organisation, curiosity and commitment to scientific integrity will be key to your success in this role.

Essential Requirements

• A science degree or postgraduate degree in environmental science, ecology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in data management and analysis (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS, QGIS, relational databases)
• Demonstrated experience in developing and using electronic survey forms
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking scientific field work, expertise in wetland plant identification.
• Willingness to travel regularly and undertake vegetation and other ecological field surveys in remote wetlands of NSW for up to 2 weeks at a time, and for about six weeks or more per year.
• Experience conducting drone wetland vegetation surveys and image processing / RePL certification desirable.
• A valid Australian drivers License.

For more information read the full Role Description:  RD Scientist - Wetland Vegetation Analyst SPSE SI EO7.docx

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 note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

Applications close 27^th April 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Hugh Smith via hugh.smith@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 9995 5504.

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?

• 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 Gabriella Schulzer on 9585 6521 (please mention reference number 548797).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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