Research Scientist

Description:

Work Type:
Fixed Term - Full Time

Location:
Perth Metropolitan area or Bunbury

Closing Date:
2025-04-09 5:00 PM
(YYYY-MM-DD)

Our department (DPIRD) leads sustainable development of WA’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. Our Ministerial portfolios are Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Regional Development.

We unlock and guide economic opportunities for these sectors and regions, balanced with the stewardship of our land and aquatic resources .

In everything we do we take the approach of:

• Protect through stewardship of our people, land and aquatic resources.
• Grow our primary industries and regions through balancing social, economic and environmental drivers.
• Innovate through a culture of inquiry and adaptation

About the opportunity

There is currently one Specified Calling Level 1 | Full Time, Fixed Term opportunity for 36 months with the possibility of extension.

We are looking for a Research Scientist to join the Horticulture and Irrigated Agriculture directorate.

This position will investigate the capture and recycling of irrigation drainage water to improve fertilizer and irrigation water use efficiency in vegetable production systems. Components include:

• Conduct experimental research to assess the technical performance and economic feasibility of a drainage water collection and recycling system for irrigation in vegetable farms. Knowledge of computational modelling using Hydrus and/or DRAINMOD is advantageous.
• Oversee installation and run a pilot scale drainage water collection and recycling system to determine any benefits in water and fertilizer savings, as well as environmental gains.
• Hold field days and extend the information gathered in the project to the horticultural industry.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and optimistic individual who has:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Environmental/Agricultural science or engineering, preferably with knowledge and experience of sustainable water use in agricultural production and/or water recycling systems
• Experience in design and management of experimental research
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information to the scientific community, departmental staff, industry, and the community
• Well-developed ability to build effective relationships and innovate to meet challenges
• Well-developed skills to think strategically and deliver in a changing environment
• Proven ability to lead and empower others

For further information, essential criteria and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Equity and Diversity

At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.

Get ready to apply. It’s simple.

Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:

• A resume of no more than three (3) pages including details of two (2) referees
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Essential Work-Related Requirements:

Work related requirement 1 – Role Specific: Demonstrated experience in scientific research and knowledge of sustainable water use in agricultural production systems and/or water recycling systems.

Work related requirement 2 – Build effective relationships: Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to people within the team environment and external stakeholders.

Work related requirement 4 – Think strategically : Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues and problems.

Work related requirement 5 – Deliver in a changing environment: Well-developed project, time management and organisational skills including the ability to effectively contribute to the management of change.

Special Requirements for this position:

• Honours degree in Agricultural or Environmental Science, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering, or an approved equivalent.
• A current and valid Western Australian "C" class (car) drivers’ license or equivalent is required (if not currently held must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense).
• Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and regional offices may be required.
• The contract of employment specifies terms and conditions relating to this position.

It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

Need further information?

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Valeria Almeida Lima , Senior Research Scientist , on 08 9780 62*** during office hours.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1***.

Employment Conditions and Additional Information

DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency, and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.

You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment . If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.

This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.

The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.

Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted)

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has a four day breach claim period. For more information, please see the Public Sector Commission Website

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