Principal Scientist and Team Leader – Water Quality & Aquatic Ecosystems Are you a water quality expert with strong communication and people skills, passionate about protecting Queensland waterways? We’re looking for a Principal Scientist to lead complex environmental assessments, manage sensitive water quality projects, and deliver science-based advice that shapes regulation and protects waterways and aquatic ecosystems health. You’ll lead and manage a small team of scientists, mentor staff and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders including government, industry and universities. If you're ready to combine technical excellence with people management and collaboration—this is your chance to make a real difference and drive evidence-based outcomes.

Apply now to this permanent position and help shape a clean and sustainable future!

Job details

As the Principal Scientist, you will: 
• Lead, manage and deliver sensitive and complex scientific assessments and projects related to water quality and aquatic ecosystems and associated compliance with government legislation, Departmental policy and environmental standards.
• Lead and manage a team to deliver high quality scientific advice and other business priorities within required timeframes and to build and enhance team capabilities and performance. 
• Provide high-level scientific/technical advice on the adoption of new technology and scientific methodologies relating to the assessment and management of water quality and aquatic ecosystems in order to contribute to the review, maintenance, establishment and enforcement of environmental licensing standards and legislation.
• Provide high-level scientific advice and services in relation to complex environmental assessments and analyses relating to surface water and groundwater quality and aquatic ecosystem health, including preparation and delivery of training to internal and external clients in these areas.
• Participate and provide expert scientific advice in the ongoing development and maintenance of strategic, technical, business and commercial relationships with key internal and external clients in relation to aquatic ecology protection issues, technology, research and associated functions.
• Constructively contribute as a senior member of the Water Ecosystem Science Branch and support the Science Leader in the management of the Water Science Support group.
• Provide management, commitment and support for the effective implementation and ongoing management of WHS Governance policy and procedure, systems, activities and processes within the work unit to fulfil all obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and DETSI policy and procedures.
• Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations peoples of Australia.

What's in it for you? 
• Enjoy fantastic flexibility, benefits, work life balance, significant development opportunities as a public servant of Queensland!
• Work where you can truly engage your values and sense of purpose to safeguarding the environment for Queenslanders.
• You'll experience so much here. For most of us, it starts with our wonderful people and the rich, diverse perspectives they bring. They're dedicated, passionate and curious professionals.

For this role, you'll need to:
• demonstrate ability to lead and manage a functional unit, implement systems to promote performance management, ethical behaviour and professional development in collaboration with Senior Management. 
• demonstrate knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, aquatic ecosystems health and water quality in the following areas:
o Environmental assessment and monitoring
o Assessment and management of pollution sources
o Legislation, standards and guidelines
• manage projects and effectively leads a team to achieve agreed outcomes. 
• work effectively under pressure to handle competing priorities, meet externally imposed deadlines, and delivers tasks through to completion. 
• prepare complex reports and submissions and liaise and negotiate with clients and staff at all levels.
• communicate effectively with internal and external clients to provide responsive, accurate and relevant information and services.
• role model Team Leader leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland. 
• contribute to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Job Ad Reference: QLD/667171/25

Closing Date: Thursday, 13th November 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 667171 25 Role description (Word, 648KB)