Passionate about sustainable agriculture and experienced in modelling? Join our Paddock to Reef Modelling team.

As a senior team member, you'll help deliver the science underpinning the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. Working with catchment modelling and water quality monitoring specialists, you'll assess how farm management practices influence water quality and greenhouse gas emissions across Great Barrier Reef catchments.

We're seeking an experienced agricultural modeller and skilled programmer with knowledge of crop production, hydrology, water quality and soil science.

Key responsibilities

• Apply agricultural models such as APSIM using landscape and land-use data
• Develop efficient, well-documented code in C#, R or Python
• Analyse large and complex datasets
• Provide technical advice to stakeholders and partners

Job details

Your contribution as Senior Scientist - Agricultural Systems Modeller
You will model the impacts of farm management practice changes on water quality and greenhouse gas emissions across the Great Barrier Reef catchment. The Paddock Modelling Team is responsible for integrating new data and innovative approaches to improve modelling of nutrient and sediment losses from sugarcane, banana and grain farming systems. The team works closely with catchment-scale modellers, as well as agricultural and water quality monitoring teams, within the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring and Modelling Program (Paddock to Reef | Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan).

Key responsibilities
• Use agricultural models such as APSIM, integrating landscape and land-use data
• Develop efficient, well-documented code in C#, R or Python
• Analyse large and complex datasets
• Provide technical advice to key stakeholders
• Contribute to a positive, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace culture

What's in it for you?
This is an opportunity to work with committed and dedicated scientists and researchers in a dynamic and collaborative environment that supports innovation, creative thinking and respect for team members.

About you
We are seeking a motivated scientist with:
• Demonstrated experience using APSIM and a strong understanding of agricultural systems and sciences
• Proven programming skills and experience managing and analysing large datasets
• A track record of high-quality scientific writing and oral presentations
• Experience identifying complex problems and developing practical solutions through research, analysis and critical evaluation of technical information and data
• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a broad range of stakeholders across the scientific community and industry
• A commitment to workplace equity, diversity and inclusion, contributing to a culture of innovation, respect and collaboration.

How to apply
• You are encouraged to contact us to discuss this opportunity and any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.
• Refer to the attached Position Description for full details on how to apply.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/700105/26

Closing Date: Friday, 25 September 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.

• 700105 26 Position Description (Word, 609KB)
  Role Description