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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead complex environmental forensics and analytical chemistry projects that directly support pollution investigations and evidence-based environmental outcomes across NSW.
• Permanent, full-time opportunity (35 hours per week)
• Lidcombe location
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 + super

Our Science and Insights team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics to deliver specialist environmental forensics and analytical chemistry projects that provide the scientific evidence needed to support environmental protection and informed decision-making across NSW.

As a Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics, you will deliver complex environmental forensics and analytical chemistry projects that help characterise and analyse chemical pollutants in environment matrices and identify their potential sources s. You will undertake scientific investigations, analyse and interpret complex data, and provide specialist advice to support environmental programs and decision-making. Working with colleagues across DCCEEW, the EPA, universities and research partners, you will contribute to the development of scientific knowledge and evidence-based solutions. This role offers the opportunity to apply advanced scientific expertise to deliver outcomes that support the protection of NSW's environment.

About You

You are an experienced environmental scientist with strong technical expertise in environmental forensics and analytical chemistry with a speciality in organic chemistry. You have a proven ability to design and deliver scientifically rigorous investigations, analyse complex datasets, and draw sound conclusions that withstand scrutiny. Your knowledge enables you to provide credible scientific advice that informs environmental management, policy and regulatory outcomes.

You communicate complex scientific information clearly and tailor your approach to different audiences. You exercise sound judgement, think critically and can identify practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. You build trusted relationships with stakeholders, contribute positively to team outcomes and proactively share knowledge to strengthen scientific capability and deliver high-quality outcomes.

You lead research and innovation projects relating to emerging chemical pollutants and developing new forensic and analytical tools for their analysis in environmental matrices.

Key knowledge and experience

• Experience in working collaboratively with a team and stakeholders to deliver customer focused results from science projects.
• Experience in project management including budgets, allocation of resources, and ability to report on results achieved.

Essential requirements

• Chemistry or Environmental science tertiary qualifications, well-developed knowledge and experience in developing and delivering rigorous science projects in environmental forensics and analytical chemistry with a speciality in organic chemistry.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics

About the Team – Science & Insights

Working at the intersection of science, policy and delivery, Science & Insights collaborates across government, academia, industry and communities to identify priority issues and deliver practical, high-impact solutions.

The division brings together six specialist branches spanning conservation and restoration, climate and atmospheric science, environmental protection, remote sensing and landscape science, science impact and assessment, and water, wetlands and coastal science.

Together, these teams provide the evidence, expertise and insights needed to understand NSW’s environment, manage risks and drive sustainable outcomes.

The division’s work is focused on building a strong evidence base, advancing innovation in how data is gathered and used, and translating complex scientific information into clear, actionable insights and advice. Through scientific rigour, partnerships and knowledge sharing, Science & Insights plays a critical role in protecting, restoring and strengthening the resilience of NSW’s environment for future generations.

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 Monday 5^th October 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Yarong Li via Yarong.Li@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02-9995 5096.

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 551971).

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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