Principal Advisor, Climate Science

The Department for Environment and Water is seeking a Principal Advisor, Climate Science in Adelaide, SA. This role involves leading climate change response strategies, providing scientific leadership, and collaborating with various agencies to enhance climate resilience. The position offers a hybrid working model with flexible options, promoting work-life balance. Applicants should have relevant qualifications in climate or environmental science. The role is ongoing and aims to improve South Australia's environmental outcomes.
Help shape SA’s climate future. The Principal Advisor, Climate Science leads strategies for climate change response planning and adaptation
• Provide scientific leadership to climate science, policy and programs for SA
• Flexible and supportive workplace
• Lead a passionate team improving SA's environmental outcomes

About The Role

Are you passionate about tackling climate change head-on? Are you a climate science expert who wants to make a real impact in people's lives, communities, and the environment? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

We're looking for a Principal Advisor, Climate Science to take a lead role in developing and implementing strategies to support climate change response planning, risk management and adaptation for South Australia.

In this role, you'll:-
• Lead climate science programs that support planning and climate resilience across government.
• Provide expert advice that helps guide policy, risk management, and adaptation efforts.
• Influence inter-governmental initiatives and strengthen the state's capability to apply cutting-edge climate science in policy and planning.
• Work closely with other agencies and partners to ensure expert advice and strategic input is front and centre in adaptation planning and decision-making.
• Represent South Australia on national committees and working groups, helping shape climate responses across the country.
• Lead a team of passionate professionals, supporting their growth and encouraging innovation.

We're after someone who brings not just technical expertise, but collaboration and a clear vision for how science can drive real-world outcomes.

The successful candidate will be appointed at either the PO4 or PO5 classification based on demonstrated skills and experience.

What can we offer you!
• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract

Ongoing

Essential Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Engineering or NRM disciplines is essential. Relevant post graduate qualification/s are highly desirable.

Special Conditions
• May be required to participate in fire management or associated duties.
• A current class “C” driver's licence and willingness to drive is desirable.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Intrastate travel including overnight absences may be required.

Remuneration

PO4 $110,696 min - $120,470 max p.a.

PO5 $124,449 min - $130,253 max p.a.

Enquiries To

Dr Matthew Ward, Director, Science and Information

Matthew.Ward@sa.gov.au

0428116023

Application Instructions

Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Technical, Professional/Knowledge and Experience (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 05/06/2025 11:00 PM