Job search
Senior Scientist (Agricultural Systems Modeller)
Soil & Catchment Science; Water and Catchments; Science; Flexible (See role description for more location details)
Passionate about sustainable agriculture and an experienced modeller? Join our Paddock to Reef Modelling team.
As a senior member of the team, you'll play a vital role in delivering robust science for the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. You will work closely with our catchment modelling and water quality monitoring teams to predict the impacts of farm management practice changes on water quality and greenhouse gas fluxes for the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
We are looking for an experienced agricultural modeller and a proficient coder with an understanding of agricultural sciences such as crop production, hydrology, water quality & soil science.
(See below for more information and key responsibilities).
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Sciences |
| Classification | PO4 |
| Workplace Location | Flexible |
| Job ad reference | QLD/673527/25 |
| Closing date | 27-Jan-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Peter Noonan |
| Contact details | Ph: 0472 846 384 Access the National Relay Service |
Your contribution as Senior Scientist (Agricultural Systems Modeller)
You will be modelling the impact of farm management practice changes on water quality and greenhouse gas fluxes in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. The paddock modelling team is responsible for integrating new data and innovative approaches to improve the modelling of nutrients and sediment from sugarcane, banana and grains farms. The team works closely with catchment scale modellers as well as agricultural and water quality monitoring teams in the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring and Modelling program (Paddock to Reef | Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan (reefplan.qld.gov.au)).
Key Responsibilities:
✔Use agricultural models like APSIM, integrating landscape and land-use data.
✔ Write efficient, well-documented code (C#, R or Python).
✔Analyse large data sets.
✔Provide technical advice to key stakeholders.
✔Uphold a positive, safe, diverse, and inclusive culture.
What is in it for you?
This is an opportunity to work with committed and dedicated scientists and researchers in a dynamic and creative work environment, which supports innovative thinking and respect for team members.
About You:
We seek a motivated scientist with:
• Demonstrated experience in using APSIM and a strong understanding of agricultural science.
• Proven programming experience and ability to manage and analyse large volumes of data.
• Evidence of high-quality scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Experience identifying complex problems and possible solutions including research and critical evaluation of relevant technical information and data.
• Well-developed ability to communicate with influence across a wide range of stakeholders including in the scientific community and industry.
• Contribution to workplace equity and diversity that enriches our culture of innovation, respect and inclusion.
How to Apply:
• Refer to the attached Role Description for full details on how to apply.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/673527/25
Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026
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.
