Are you an innovative scientist passionate about Queensland's floral and fungal diversity? Join DETSI's Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science Unit in the role of Principal Botanist and lead our dynamic Systematic Botany team.

This role is open to all applicants, however, applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or with a disability that meet the minimum requirements for the role, will be given priority consideration and invited to participate in the next selection activity.

Here at DETSI, you’ll be inspired and inspire others to make Queensland better. It can be complex and challenging - important work usually is. But your contribution will count, and so will you.

Job details

Your contribution as Principal Botanist:

• Lead, manage and support the Queensland Herbarium Systematic Botany team to deliver an active research program in plant and fungi systematics (including taxonomy, morphometrics, phylogenetics, phylogenomics, and/or macroevolution).
• Lead and support the scientific curation of Queensland's plant and fungi taxa in collaboration with others to ensure the Queensland Herbarium collections support evidence-based decision making regarding Queensland's biodiversity.
• Lead and support the development of identification tools, descriptions and information for priority plant and fungi groups to help empower our stakeholders and the community to access accurate botanical information.
• Provide strategic leadership and the management of complex projects that involve diverse stakeholder groups and manage conflicting priorities and emerging issues.
• Provide timely and high quality technical and scientific information and advice to the Science Leader, Director, and Executive Director to address policy, legislative and other issues.
• Develop and maintain linkages and partnerships with other state and national herbaria, agencies, national and international research partners and educational institutions to ensure the Queensland Herbarium collections are accurately identified and that names and classifications are aligned with currently accepted scientific standards.
• Professionally represent the department at forums, including government, science, university and industry working groups and committees.
• Support the effective implementation of governance policy and procedures within the work unit to fulfil all obligations under legislation including the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Financial Accountability Act 2009.
• Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of First Nations people and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations people.
• Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

What can you expect:

• You will be a valued member of a welcoming and supportive team
• Work where you can truly engage your values and sense of purpose towards understanding and safeguarding Queensland's biodiversity
• Diverse, interesting work and experiences
• Opportunities to learn, discover and grow
• A collaborative, innovative environment

We'd love to hear about your:

• High-level leadership skills including the ability to effectively manage teams, individual staff and volunteers to develop, coordinate and deliver projects.
• Demonstrated contemporary knowledge and experience of Australian plant systematics and plant, fungi and algae nomenclature.
• Ability to successfully lead, initiate, implement and contribute to change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to handle complex issues and provide strategic, technical and operational advice and recommendations to Science Leaders and senior management.
• High-level communication and negotiation skills, the ability to develop and sustain relationships with a range of customers and partners and professionally represent the department and its interests.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

How to Apply:

• You are encouraged to connect with Dr Melinda Laidlaw (Melinda.Laidlaw@detsi.qld.gov.au), Science Leader, to chat through this opportunity and flag any reasonable adjustment you may require before applying.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description for full details on how to apply.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/702145/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 October 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.

• 702145 26 Role Description (Word, 610KB)