Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist (Fire Science)

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is seeking a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist (Fire Science) in Perth, Australia. This permanent, full-time role involves conducting research and providing technical advice on fire management and biodiversity conservation. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in fire science, analytical skills, and effective communication abilities. The position is based in Manjimup, Kings Park, or Kensington.
PSCA, Specified Calling Level 2 or 3, $107,948 - $118,277 or $124,241 - $136,981 p.a. plus 11.5% Superannuation

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN MANJIMUP OR KINGS PARK OR KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT

MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 28 APRIL 2025

The Fire Science Program seeks to inform fire management and biodiversity conservation on lands managed by the department including state forests, national parks and other conservation reserves. The program aims to ensure that the best available scientific information is used for integrated fire management to protect communities and natural values.

We currently have an opportunity for a Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist (Fire Science) to join our team.

Working independently and with other research, technical, operational, and policy staff, you will undertake research and provide technical advice to support fire and conservation management across WA. In addition, you will apply spatial and statistical modelling, field survey and experimental approaches to study: fire risk, behaviour, regimes, severity, outcomes and effects; contemporary and cultural burning; and decision support tools.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than two (2) pages in total.

Note: For this role, we consider fire science to include study of fire regimes, fire behaviour, fire management, fire risk, fire effects, and related subjects.

‘SC2’ and ‘SC3’ refer to Specified Calling appointment Level 2, and Level 3, respectively.
• BSc or equivalent qualification in a discipline relevant to fire science (PhD DESIRABLE).
• Experience (SC2), or extensive experience (SC3), in designing and undertaking research in a discipline relevant to fire science, and; demonstrated (SC2) or demonstrated high level (SC3) understanding of fire science principles.
• Demonstrated relevant analytical skills and technical capability (e.g. GIS, remote sensing, statistics, modelling) (SC2/SC3), and significant experience in applying these in a research setting (SC3).
• Communication skills across a range of media and settings, including ability to publish scientific findings, translate technical information to diverse audiences, and develop plain language summaries for operational and general audiences (SC2) and technical and policy advice (SC3).

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website .

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 11.5% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

How to apply:

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
• a covering letter.
• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than two (2) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees.

For further job-related information: contact Ian Radford on 0400 415 419 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/ .

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au . Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.