Research Scientist Pool
- Fantastic opportunity to work on a range of exciting fisheries and aquatic science projects
- Learn and apply world-class fisheries research techniques
- Make a positive impact on the Western Australian (WA) community by supporting fisheries sustainability
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking to establish a pool of qualified Research Scientists to work within the Aquatic Science and Assessment branch. There are currently five (5) Research Scientist positions available for immediate filling.
What will your typical day look like?
As a Research Scientist with DPIRD, your key responsibility will be to undertake fisheries-related scientific research. Successful applicants may be required to perform combinations of the following: quantitative fisheries stock assessments and various associated analyses, support development of strategic projects (including budgeting and management), lead and undertake field surveys, manage support staff, and produce scientific publications.
There are currently opportunities for applicants who have skills and/or relevant experience in the following areas:
Mollusc & Developing Fisheries
This Research Scientist is responsible for implementing scientific research that underpins the sustainable management of molluscan and hand collection fisheries throughout WA. This includes the provision of scientific advice (quantitative fisheries stock assessments – monitoring, analysis and population modelling) to support five Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries, including the world's first abalone and sea cucumber certified fisheries, the pearl oyster enhanced fishery and the octopus fishery, which has recognised potential for growth.
Assessments
This Research Scientist is responsible for the delivery of timely, accurate and robust scientific information for the sustainable management of many socially and economically important WA fish and invertebrate stocks. This position involves developing and applying statistical and population model-based analyses, as well as facilitating processes to streamline the delivery of stock assessments, through developing relevant computer software, and providing statistical support to develop quantitative capacity among Research Scientists at DPIRD.
Strategic & Statewide
This Research Scientist is responsible for the maintenance and development of electronic monitoring of commercial fisheries to meet WTO conditions and support Marine Stewardship Council certified fisheries. This position will have a key role in developing science capacity in this rapidly developing area of fisheries monitoring. This position will work closely with DPIRD policy staff and the commercial fishing sector.
Shark Depredation
This Research Scientist will be responsible for implementing scientific research on shark depredation. The focus of this role will be working with fishing sectors to test a range of mitigation approaches and undertake a range of extension and education tasks in relation to sustainable management of WA’s shark and scalefish resources.
Freshwater
This Research Scientist will focus on a freshwater crayfish (marron) habitat enhancement project in the state’s south-west to boost recreational fishing opportunities. Key activities will include conducting field surveys of bathymetry, natural habitat and marron populations pre- and post- habitat installation, conducting data analyses and providing assessments and advice. This position will work closely with DPIRD policy staff, the recreational fishing sector and other government agencies.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
The successful applicants will have the ability to provide expert scientific advice to fisheries policy makers along with strong quantitative and communication skills. We are seeking individuals with a blend of skills drawn from the following list:
- strong conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
- knowledge/experience in designing and/or undertaking scientific research surveys including electronic monitoring and field-based programs
- ability to work independently and collaboratively conducting research and analysis
- knowledge/experience of population modelling/stock assessment
- computer programming and coding skills (e.g. R, ADMB, TMB, Python)
- machine learning, computer vision, data annotation skills
The panel will consider applicant knowledge, skills and experience to determine whether applicants are found suitable for Specified Calling Level (SCL) 1, 2 and/or 3.
For further information and special requirements for the roles please see the attached Job Description Forms (JDFs).
Get ready to apply. It’s simple.
Click the Apply button if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements 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 Work Related Requirement/s. Please pitch your application to the highest level that you are applying for.
- Core Capabilities – Build Effective Relationships
- Core Capabilities – Think Strategically
- Core Capabilities – Deliver in a Changing Environment
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 enquiries regarding this Recruitment Process or the Mollusc & Developing Fisheries position, please contact Lachlan Strain, Principal Research Scientist, on 0438 330 740 (during business hours).
For enquiries about the Assessments position, please contact Alex Hesp, Principal Research Scientist, on 0457 609 635 (during business hours).
For enquiries about the Strategic & Statewide, Shark Depredation and Freshwater positions, please contact Gary Jackson, Principal Research Scientist, on 0419 046 435 (during business hours).
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943
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.
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 pool will be valid for a period of twelve (12) months following finalisation of the process and may be used to fill other same/similar permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies with the possibility of extension or permanency at locations listed in this advert. Please note, being appointed to the pool does not guarantee you a placement to a position.
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).
