Senior Scientist

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

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Creating a talent pool to fill upcoming vacancies over the next 18 months
• Office location - Parramatta or key Science & Insights regional locations. Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $124,322 base to $138,494 top + super

About the Role

We are looking to build a talent pool of capable people who would be interested in upcoming positions as a Senior Scientist across Threatened Species, Quantitative Ecology and Spatial Science.

Senior Scientist - Threatened Species

Senior Scientist priorities are to design and drive the strategic delivery of research and conservation projects for threatened species in NSW. This role provides expert scientific and analytical guidance across key threatened species conservation programs, ensuring research is aligned with legislative requirements and conservation priorities.

Undertake the role description key accountabilities in the context of:

• Influencing the strategic direction of science priorities for the conservation and management of threatened species in NSW, including conservation science, ecology and/or fire science.
• Working collaboratively to identify priority knowledge gaps for threatened species and supporting research to address these, including through adaptive management.
• Developing and delivering priority conservation research for threatened species that meets organisational objectives and appropriate standards of rigour.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Scientistand Statement of work - Senior Scientist Threatened Species

Senior Scientist - Quantitative Ecology

Provide high level analytical, technical and scientific support to the implementation of terrestrial restoration science and research programs and projects covering diverse and strategic environmental initiatives across NSW.

Undertake the role description key accountabilities in the context of:

• Lead the development of statistical models to facilitate continuous improvement and update of benchmarks with new data.
• Lead the delivery of new vegetation condition benchmarks that utilise new vegetation classification data for the eastern, central and western portions of the State.
• Support delivery of elements of the statutory 5-year review of the Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM), namely, recommendation 1 - Develop and adopt robust and consistent methods to review and assess impacts of changes in vegetation condition benchmarks to the BAM and update vegetation condition benchmarks.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Scientist and Statement of work - Senior Scientist Quantitative Ecologist

Senior Scientist - Spatial

Senior Scientist, Spatial Science priorities are to provide advanced analytical, scientific and technical support for the delivery of DCCEEW science programs. The role provides expert scientific and analytical guidance to keep the evidence base up to date to support key programs.

Undertake the role description key accountabilities in the context of:

• Supporting spatial needs of key internal and external stakeholders by providing expert advice and undertaking spatial analysis including data curation to support the delivery of conservation programs.
• Providing spatial analytics for policy development, including using spatial data to analyse and calculate the impacts of potential policy options.
• Providing expert advice on the best available spatial data, best practice and undertaking analyses.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Scientist (Spatial)and Statement of work - Senior Scientist Spatial

About You

We're looking for candidates who bring a strong blend of scientific expertise and project leadership. The ideal applicants will demonstrate:

• Advanced scientific knowledge and practical experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating robust science-based projects. You'll be confident in applying scientific principles to real-world challenges and translating complex data into actionable insights.
• Proven project management capabilities, including the ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects on time and within budget. This includes resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to monitor progress, measure outcomes, and clearly communicate results to diverse audiences, including technical teams, leadership, and external partners.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working across multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant science degree qualification.

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.

Applications close Sunday 19 October at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Laura Babian via or

A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

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  or contacting Jessica Smith via   or please mention reference number

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn

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