Scientist

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

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Wetland Vegetation Scientist to support Murray-Darling Basin Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Program
• Temporary opportunity to 30 June 2026, with possibility of extension
• Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
• Lidcombe location or S&I regional locations by negotiation - hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $109,102.00 to $120, super + leave loading

Our Water, Wetlands and Coastal Science team is currently seeking to appoint a Wetland Vegetation Scientist to be part of our team dedicated to monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the health of iconic wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin.

The role integrates field work and remote sensing to monitor vegetation condition and extent; data evaluation and analysis; and assisting with the preparation of technical reports and other information products to communicate outcomes to both expert and non-expert audiences.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have experience in planning, organizing and implementing field programs to monitor wetland vegetation responses to environmental water delivery and other management actions.

The role involves identification of wetland vegetation, vegetation mapping and monitoring, data preparation and analysis, interpreting results, and assisting with the preparation of technical reports and other information products. Knowledge of spatial and statistical analyses and demonstrated experience in implementing standard survey techniques would be essential. You will communicate outcomes to both expert and non-expert audiences. For this role, you will be using remote sensing products and developing models to track floodplain wetland inundation and evaluate trends in wetland hydrology.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic wetland vegetation scientist to contribute to vital monitoring and evaluation of wetland health across the NSW Murray-Darling Basin. The successful candidate will be a part of a team that innovates and responds to dynamic conservation goals. We also offer career development and advancement opportunities.

Key knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated expertise in computer-based analysis of environmental spatial data.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in data management, spatial analysis, biostatistical software programs and scripting.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific field work related to vegetation assessment or ecological monitoring.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin floodplain and wetland ecosystems.

Essential requirements

• A science degree or postgraduate degree in environmental science, ecology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in data management and analysis (e.g., R, Python, ArcGIS, QGIS, relational databases)
• Demonstrated experience in developing and using electronic survey forms
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking scientific field work, expertise in wetland plant identification.
• Willingness to travel regularly and undertake vegetation and other ecological field surveys in remote wetlands of NSW for up to 2 weeks at a time, and for about six weeks or more per year.
• Experience conducting drone wetland vegetation surveys and image processing / RePL certification desirable.
• A valid Australian driver's License.

For more information read the full Role Description: Scientist - Wetland Vegetation

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 Thursday, 25 September at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Guyo Gufu via or on

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.

DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Mariam Barakat on please mention reference number

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

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