Research Scientist
Specified Calling Level 2-3 | Full-time, Fixed term to 1 May 2024, with the possibility of extension and/or permanency.
- Join WA’s Public Sector workforce and experience all the benefits of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements it has to offer.
- This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to make a positive impact on the future of the Western Australian agri-food industry.
- You will work in a dynamic research environment and gain exposure to crop and livestock farming systems in the south-west of WA, particularly focused on the impact of changing climate.
What will your typical day look like?
The changing climate represents a big challenge for the WA Sheep Industry to maintain and improve agricultural productivity while also reducing negative environmental impacts. As a Research Scientist your job, leading a diverse team, will be to assess the impact of the future climate on mixed farming systems in the low and medium rainfall zones of south-west of WA and investigate innovative adaptation strategies utilising simulation models, farmers experience and the scientific literature. The findings will also be assessed for environmental impacts including changes in the carbon footprint.
Day to day this will involve working with farmers, scientists, economists, consultants and industry groups. Initially the project will require a considerable amount of time doing investigation and analysis however later you will be communicating the findings to industry.
While the job will require you to regularly travel throughout the south-west region the position itself could be located in Perth or the regions allowing considerable flexibility.
For further key responsibilities please see attached JDF.
Enough about us, let’s talk about you.
The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of mixed farming and livestock production systems and experience in undertaking scientific research. We are seeking someone who is self-motivated, can lead a project team and has considerable experience communicating research findings to the agricultural industry. You will be interested in the impacts of climate change on pasture and livestock production, using computer models to predict the likely effects of future climate and working with leading farmers and farmer groups.
For all essential criteria, please see the attached JDF.
Why DPIRD?
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is 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.
Get ready to apply. It’s simple.
Click the Apply if this is something that excites you! All we need is:
- A resume of no more than three (3) pages including details of two (2) referees
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length stating the level/s you are applying for and that demonstrates how you meet the essential work-related requirements:
If applying for more than one level, please address the work-related requirements for the highest level you are applying for, demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Essential Work-Related Requirements:
Specified Calling Level 2
- Work Related Requirement 1: Role specific – Demonstrated experience in scientific research and knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems.
- Work Related Requirement 2: Build effective relationships – Well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to consult, advise and convey information to stakeholders in order to achieve strategic outcomes.
- Work Related Requirement 4: Think strategicallly – Well-developed conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues and problems
- Work Related Requirement 6: Lead and empower others – Ability to lead teams and work collaboratively in a team environment contributing to the achievement of team goals.
Specified Calling Level 3
- Work Related Requirement 1: Role specific – Demonstrated experience in scientific research and extension with demonstrated knowledge of agri-food industry sustainable production systems
- Work Related Requirement 2: Build effective relationships – Highly-developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to confidently liaise, collaborate with and communicate pertinent industry information to; departmental staff and industry participants and practitioners.
- Work Related Requirement 4: Think strategicallly – Well-developed, conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide innovative solutions to complex and challenging issues and problems.
- Work Related Requirement 6: Lead and empower others – Ability to lead teams and proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment contributing to the achievement of departmental level outcomes.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. Please note that all of the Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
We’d love to hear from you!
For any specific enquiries please contact: Paul Sanford , Senior Research Scientist, on 0411 174 512 (during business hours).
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 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.
Special Requirements for this position:
- Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an approved equivalent.
- A current and valid Western Australian "C" class (car) drivers’ licence or equivalent is required (if not currently held must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense).
- An acceptable National Police Certificate (police clearance) is required. If not currently held, must be acquired prior to commencement at applicant’s expense.
- Occasional travel to and from metropolitan and regional offices may be required.
- The contract of employment specifies terms and conditions relating to this position.
This process may be used to fill other similar vacancies throughout the department. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from approval of the initial recruitment decision.
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)
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 4:00 PM WST