Description:
Who we are
The Office of Water Science sits within the Environmental Water and Aquatic Ecosystems Division. The Division supports the delivery of the government's statutory and policy functions regarding the management of environmental water, wetlands of international importance, and the assessment of impacts on water resources. The division also provides technical and scientific advice and support to the department, the Executive and the Minister to develop water-related policy and engagement. It includes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH), the Office of Water Science, and the Wetlands Section which supports the Australian Government in its international engagement on the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention).
The Division works to deliver environmental outcomes under the framework of the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan 2012 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act), working closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, First Nations, community and industry groups, local landholders and scientists.
We undertake roles ranging from water planning, portfolio management, science, policy development, statutory reporting, communication, engagement, technical advice and secretariat support.
The Office of Water Science sits within the Environmental Water, Northern Basin and Science Branch of the Division. This branch is responsible for delivery of the science of the division, as well as environmental water in the northern Murray Darling Basin.
The Office of Water Science provides scientific and secretariat support to enable the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to meet its obligations under the EPBC Act, and to provide scientific support for other water and environmental policy, reform or management agendas. The Office of Water Science comprises scientists, policy, engagement and secretariat officers. We have several functions including:
- providing scientific, secretariat and engagement support to the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development (the IESC),
- providing scientific advice on the potential impacts to water resources from a wide range of proposed developments being assessed under the EPBC Act,
- providing scientific and policy advice to support key initiatives, such as environmental and water reform agendas.
The job
As a Scientific Officer in the Office of Water Science, you will:
- provide scientific review of impact assessments for projects proposed under the Commonwealth legislation to support regulatory decision-making. The types of projects being assessed are diverse and not limited to a specific sector or development type. Examples include mines, windfarms, airports, aquaculture, irrigation, or environmental water works and residential or industrial developments,
- provide scientific technical assessments of scientific and environmental approval documentation to develop summary material for the IESC
- support delivery of the scientific/technical material to the IESC and regulators through a variety of media forms and presentations,
- analyse and interpret scientific data and provide summaries to audiences with a range of backgrounds that will enable robust decision-making
- support engagement with regulators and project proponents, specialised consultants, and other government agencies on scientific and technical matters, as well as best practice and industry standards,
- contribute to the Office of Water Science's technical expertise,
- support procurement and project management for products aimed at improving industry practice, or scientific knowledge for assessing, monitoring, and managing impacts to water resources.
What you'll gain from the experience
Working alongside other scientific professionals across a range of water disciplines, you will get to apply your scientific knowledge and leadership skills to lead scientific advice and assessments relating to water resources and water dependent assets. You will also provide technical support to, and intersect in a professional setting with, the IESC, a committee of high-calibre scientists across fundamental water-science related disciplines, such as geology, hydrogeology, ecology, hydrology and ecotoxicology. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of the Commonwealth environmental legislation and the development assessment process and have opportunities to apply your skills to assisting with policy development relating to water resources.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Experience working in a role(s) relevant to the position.
- Experience in analysing and synthesising one or more of the following: hydrogeological, groundwater modelling, hydrological, ecological and/or hydro-ecological data, or other water science data, and information, and technical reports.
- Experience in groundwater or surface water management or assessment roles, such as water resource planning and management, mining/oil and gas sector, urban water management, or other roles relating to water resources or other roles relating to water resources or water sciences.
- Knowledge of scientific best practice standards and guidelines as they relate to water resource modelling and/or management are an advantage.
- Knowledge of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and/or familiarity with relevant state legislation relating to water resources would also be beneficial but not essential.
- Demonstrated ability to apply and develop expertise in a water-science discipline, as it relates to water resource impact assessments, such as:
- conceptual and/or field hydrogeology or hydrology,
- hydrogeological and hydrological assessments and characterisation,
- groundwater or surface water modelling,
- water quality and hydrochemistry,
- surface-groundwater connectivity,
- water-dependent ecosystems,
- aquatic ecology and ecohydrology, or
- similar water sciences such as numerical or catchment modelling, reservoir engineering, water resource engineering, hydro-geochemistry, and aquatic ecology, ecohydrology or groundwater ecology, or other water-science related disciplines where skills are transferrable to the role.
- Investigative and analytical skills, and the ability to draw on available evidence to identify issues, develop practical solutions and initiate change when required.
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to listen to diverse perspectives and adapt to various audiences, and persuasively convey ideas and concepts in a simple, understandable manner, and to prepare impartial advice.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively and form positive, productive working relationships with team members and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated organisational skills, including being able to work in a dynamic environment, prioritise multiple activities and deliver against short timeframes.
- Take personal responsibility for accurate completion of work, and understand and comply with legislative, policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams and external partnerships with such as Commonwealth and State regulators, other commonwealth agencies or scientific research organisations.
Eligibility and other requirements
Mandatory qualifications
- A degree and experience in a relevant water science discipline relating to hydrogeology, hydrology, ecohydrology or similar water sciences such as numerical or catchment modelling, reservoir engineering, hydro-geochemistry, and aquatic ecology, ecohydrology or groundwater ecology. Candidates with transferable technical skills in water-science related disciplines, such as biogeochemistry, geology, water resource engineering, biology or ecotoxicology may also be considered where the candidate can demonstrate transferability of those skills to the role.
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
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