Principal Scientist

Purpose

The purpose of the role is to provide professional leadership, manage and direct teams and activities associated with water quality monitoring programs within the Water Quality & Investigations group through:

• providing timely and high quality technical and scientific information and advice on resource management issues relevant to the position; 

• providing professional scientific leadership on matters relevant to the position within the Water Ecosystem Science branch and across other groups within Science

Division and the Department;

• ensuring effective and efficient delivery of services and effective use of resources; and 

• providing leadership and mentoring for teams of scientists engage in Water Quality monitoring, analysis and reporting.

The role

As the Principal Scientist, you will: 

• Provide specialist scientific leadership and advice in support of the ongoing development and operations of load-based water quality monitoring and assessment programs and other Departmental initiatives. 

• Contribute to the strategic planning processes of the Water Quality & Investigations group, Science Division and the Department, by providing professional input to: 

o the strategic direction and management of the Catchment Water Quality Alliance

o the development of natural resource management strategies and policies; 

o the preparation of project plans and the management of projects; and 

o the statewide co-ordination of technical services and activities on land and water processes relevant to the Water Ecosystem Science branch of Science Division and the Department. 

• Manage highly qualified and innovative work teams and individuals within the Water Quality & Investigations group through strategic and operational planning including the effective and efficient utilisation of human resources, assets and finances. 

• Lead workforce planning activities, performance appraisal, skills development and training programs and fulfil workplace safety and equal employment opportunity obligations. 

• Negotiate projects with industry, collaborators and clients, to attract high levels of external funding and achieve project outcomes.

• Provide comprehensive, high quality scientific and technical information and advice to management; other state, national and local government agencies; policy makers; industry; the community and other clients, on contemporary water issues, legislation and associated policy within the Water Ecosystem Science branch of Science Division and the Department.

• Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations peoples of Australia.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/659097/25

Closing Date: Monday, 29th September 2025