This role supports the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and South East Queensland (SEQ) catchment loads monitoring teams by contributing to event‑based water quality monitoring and reporting under Reef Plan. Working closely with the program’s senior scientist, the position assists with maintaining and improving quality assurance and quality control programs, coordinating with partner monitoring staff, analysing data and reporting on program performance. The role develops state‑wide monitoring procedures, delivers technical advice and training, and supports agency and community monitoring networks. It also involves regular fieldwork, including travel to remote locations and work outside normal hours. The position actively promotes a safe, inclusive workplace and contributes to improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Job details

The role supports the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and South East Queensland (SEQ) catchment loads monitoring teams in delivering the Department's responsibilities for event‑based monitoring and reporting as part of Reef Plan. This includes contributing to the design, coordination and delivery of field and laboratory activities that measure pollutant loads, evaluate waterway condition and assess the performance of catchment management programs. Working within a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment, the position plays an important role in supporting creative problem‑solving, effective teamwork and high‑quality monitoring outcomes.  

A key purpose of the role is to support the program's senior scientist in the maintenance and continual improvement of established quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes. This includes assisting with procedure reviews, documenting enhancements, identifying gaps and contributing to the implementation of improved monitoring practices across the state. The role is also responsible for fostering strong and productive relationships with partner monitoring organisations, ensuring that sampling activities, data sharing and reporting are well coordinated and scientifically robust. 

The position contributes to the development and refinement of state‑wide procedures for waterway event monitoring, ensuring that guidelines reflect best practice, remain fit for purpose and are aligned with program and departmental standards. It involves undertaking data analysis, calculating pollutant loads and pesticide risk metrics, and interpreting scientific results to assess program performance. These outputs inform reporting requirements, contract deliverables and broader environmental assessments. The role prepares and delivers scientific briefings, technical reports and communication products in a variety of formats to support stakeholder understanding and decision‑making. 

A significant component of the role involves establishing and providing ongoing scientific and technical support for agency and community‑based waterway monitoring networks. This includes offering advice on monitoring design, sampling methodologies, QA/QC, data management, interpretation and reporting. The position also identifies training needs and coordinates or delivers training workshops, seminars and briefings to enhance capability across partner organisations. 

Fieldwork is a central aspect of the role, requiring regular travel outside normal business hours and periods away from the centre, sometimes for three days or more. Field activities may occur in remote environments and involve exposure to demanding environmental conditions and natural hazards such as flooded waterways, wild pigs, snakes, crocodiles, mosquitoes and sand-flies. Applicants must therefore be prepared for physically challenging conditions and committed to safe work practices. 

The position actively contributes to creating a respectful, inclusive and culturally responsive workplace. It fosters a culture that supports improved outcomes for First Nations peoples and promotes a working environment free from bullying, discrimination and harassment. In doing so, the role supports departmental values and contributes to an engaged, safe and collaborative team environment.

Applications to remain current for 12 months. 

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 the attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

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

• 684576 26 Role Description (Word, 609KB)