Job search
Senior Scientist (Modelling)
Water Planning Science; Water and Catchments; Science; Dutton Park
Advance water quality science and help protect the Great Barrier Reef! We’re seeking a Senior Scientist (Modelling) to join the Paddock to Reef Catchment Modelling team. You’ll develop and apply water quantity and quality models for basins across the Reef Catchment Area, directly contributing to improved outcomes for the Reef.
As part of the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program, you’ll deliver outputs to track progress towards water quality targets, support policy development, and guide government funding priorities. You’ll provide expert advice to governments, regional NRM groups, and scientists. This role offers a blend of leadership, science, and collaboration to tackle a critical environmental challenge. This role is perfect for someone passionate about science and sustainability.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Sciences |
| Classification | PO4 |
| Workplace Location | Flexible |
| Job ad reference | QLD/677133/26 |
| Closing date | 19-Feb-2026 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Gillian McCloskey |
| Contact details | Ph: 07 4222 5447 Access the National Relay Service |
The people we serve come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and lived experiences, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our department stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for the environment and science, you will find a home at DETSI.
Your contribution:
· Lead the development and reporting of catchment hydrologic and water quality models for the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Area.
· Integrate catchment water quality, landscape, and land-use data, collaborating with professionals to enhance model accuracy.
· Represent the Queensland Government, build stakeholder relationships, and present findings at workshops, meetings, and in technical reports and scientific papers.
· Support regional bodies and industry in identifying opportunities for sustainable land management.
· Lead scenario modelling projects, including planning, stakeholder engagement, evaluation, and reporting.
What's in it for you?
· Join a supportive, high-performing team and play a pivotal role in protecting one of the world's most iconic natural treasures — the Great Barrier Reef.
· Share your science skills to guide real-world environmental decisions.
· Enjoy fantastic flexibility, benefits, work life balance, significant development opportunities as a public servant of Queensland!
About you:
• You'll have experience in applying modelling techniques across diverse domains, with a solid understanding of systems analysis, data integration, and environmental processes.
• You're highly skilled in programming, managing complex model simulations, and conducting advanced data analysis; experience with GIS tools is highly desirable.
• You'll have knowledge of landscape processes, hydrology and pollutant transport, and/or land management practices.
• You'll have proven ability in scientific writing and presentations.
• You'll have strong problem-solving skills, including research and critical evaluation of technical data, with excellent communication skills to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
What you need to know before applying and to be eligible for this role:
· You must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status or a visa permitting you to work in Australia.
· You must have a degree qualification in Applied Science or Natural Resource Management, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography or agreed equivalent.
· It's highly desirable for the occupant of this position to hold an unrestricted driver's license.
How to Apply:
· You are encouraged to connect with us and chat through this opportunity and flag any reasonable adjustment you may require before applying.
· Provide your current resume (max. 6 pages)
· Provide a short statement (max. 2 pages) that briefly describes why you are the best suited person for this role.
This role is open to all applicants, however applicants with disability or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander that meet the minimum requirements for the role will be given priority consideration and invited to participate in the next selection activity.
Applications to remain current for 12 months
Job Ad Reference: QLD/677133/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 19 February 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.
