Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientist

• Permanent Role
• $80K - $95K PA
• Cooktown QLD 4895

POSITION

A full-time position is available for an Environmental Scientist – Integrated Water and Biodiversity Monitoring in Cooktown QLD 4895

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

The role requires you to hold at least a relevant AQF (or equivalent) Bachelor degree or above and 12 months of relevant work experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Environmental Scientist is responsible for coordinating and implementing a range of marine and terrestrial environmental monitoring projects across Cape York. The position will take a lead role in water quality, seagrass and biodiversity monitoring activities, including coordinating fieldwork, supervising field teams, maintaining high standards of scientific data collection and quality control, analysing and interpreting monitoring data, and preparing technical reports and environmental management recommendations. The Environmental Scientist will work closely with Traditional Owner groups, land managers, project partners, other scientists and relevant stakeholders to support the effective monitoring and management of sensitive marine and terrestrial environments.

POSITION DUTIES

Environmental & Biodiversity Monitoring

• Design, coordinate and implement flora and fauna monitoring projects.
• Undertake water quality, seagrass and other marine and terrestrial environmental monitoring activities.
• Conduct environmental field surveys and collect scientific samples and monitoring data.
• Process flora and fauna samples and images for identification.
• Provide scientific and technical advice to project partners, Traditional Owner groups and land managers.
• Assist with the development and implementation of environmental monitoring methodologies and programs.
• Ensure monitoring activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant scientific methodologies and project requirements.

Marine Water Quality & Seagrass Monitoring

• Coordinate and oversee marine water quality monitoring activities across the Cape York region.
• Undertake and oversee water quality sample collection, processing and transportation.
• Maintain a high level of quality control in accordance with applicable monitoring standards and procedures.
• Undertake seagrass meadow monitoring and associated marine fieldwork.
• Assess weather, tide and environmental conditions to support safe and effective field activities.
• Coordinate fieldwork with Traditional Owner partners, boat operators, scientists and other field support personnel.

Scientific Data Analysis & Reporting

• Compile, manage and maintain scientific monitoring data.
• Conduct statistical analysis and interpret water quality, seagrass, flora and fauna monitoring results.
• Produce maps, graphs and other materials to communicate environmental monitoring results.
• Prepare technical reports and simplified summary reports detailing monitoring outcomes.
• Develop recommendations for environmental management actions based on monitoring results.
• Communicate scientific findings to government, community, Traditional Owner groups, scientists, land managers and other relevant stakeholders.

Fieldwork & Equipment Management

• Coordinate fieldwork logistics and prepare equipment and resources for monitoring activities.
• Operate and maintain scientific equipment including water quality monitoring equipment, underwater cameras, drones and wildlife cameras.
• Ensure monitoring equipment is appropriately cleaned, maintained, stored and serviced.
• Maintain inventories of scientific equipment, field supplies and consumables.
• Coordinate the ordering and replacement of equipment and supplies as required.
• Undertake fieldwork in remote marine and terrestrial environments.

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise field sampling and environmental monitoring teams.
• Work closely with Traditional Owner ranger groups to deliver environmental monitoring projects.
• Ensure field teams follow relevant scientific monitoring methodologies and quality control requirements.
• Provide guidance and technical support to team members undertaking field activities.
• Coordinate with project managers, scientists and external project partners regarding monitoring activities and outcomes.

Workplace Health & Safety

• Ensure field activities are undertaken in accordance with Workplace Health & Safety requirements.
• Identify fieldwork hazards, undertake risk assessments and implement appropriate controls.
• Promote safe work practices during remote fieldwork, boating and other environmental monitoring activities.
• Ensure scientific and field equipment is operated and maintained safely.
• Report hazards, incidents and safety concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES

• Strong environmental fieldwork and scientific data collection skills.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Competency in statistical analysis and database management.
• Computer skills including Excel, QGIS, R or similar statistical and mapping software.
• Ability to use and maintain scientific monitoring equipment.
• Strong technical report writing skills.
• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to scientific data quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a range of cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work respectfully with Traditional Owner groups and Indigenous communities.
• Comfortable and competent working in remote, marine and aquatic environments.
• Sound knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements relevant to remote environmental fieldwork.
• Coxswain licence desirable but not essential.

SALARY

Annual salary of $80,000 - $95,000 based on experience.

TO APPLY

Applications in Word format should be forwarded to us by clicking the ‘Apply’ button below.