Antarctic Marine Geoscientist

Geoscience Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Cultures, and to elders past and present.

About us

Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation.

Our culture

Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.

Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements.

What we can offer you

When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here.

Our team

The Antarctic Geoscience section comprises a small team of scientists that acquire, analyse and interpret marine and terrestrial geoscience data, and provide expert information and advice to support Australia’s national interests in Antarctica. The team deliver Antarctic science projects and contribute to collaborative research programs by collecting foundational geoscientific data to better understand and manage Antarctic marine and ice-free environments.

The Antarctic Geoscience team collaborates across the organisation to contribute to four impact areas in Geoscience Australia’s Strategy 2028 including, ‘Managing Australia’s marine jurisdictions’, ‘Creating a location-enabled Australia’, ‘Enabling an informed Australia’ and ‘Ensuring a high performing organisation’. Joining our team presents an exciting opportunity to deliver real impact in one of the most unique places on Earth.

The role

We are looking for an Antarctic Marine Geoscientist to provide expertise and advice in support of Australian government strategic priorities in Antarctica.

In this role you will:

• provide high-level scientific leadership and expertise to map, characterise, and understand the marine environment around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
• collaborate with the Antarctic science community to lead and advance research of national and international significance.
• provide accurate, objective and timely scientific advice to government, senior management and other scientific agencies as required, on marine geoscience issues, including those relevant to the Antarctic Treaty System.
• represent and promote Geoscience Australia and Australian government interests at national and international forums, including through the international Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
• support the Director – Antarctic Geoscience to set the strategic direction of the section and undertake duties required of the Director, as required.

To be successful in the role you will:

• provide high level scientific leadership and advice in Antarctic marine geoscience, supporting the strategic direction of the Antarctic Geoscience Section and the Australian Antarctic Program.
• have a passion for marine geoscience, and an understanding of the unique issues and opportunities facing the Antarctic science community.
• build and sustain long-term relationships and liaise with a range of stakeholders including internal and external stakeholders, including across government and the science community.
• be an influential communicator, with excellent written and oral communication skills, supported by highly developed interpersonal skills.
• proactively identify risks and issues around project delivery and provide solutions to mitigate them while maintaining effective performance.
• be a team player who collaborates, actively shares knowledge, is open to developing new skills and takes personal responsibility for their work.
• demonstrate a commitment to building a positive and inclusive culture in the team and branch.
• demonstrate public service professionalism and probity by adopting a principled approach and adherence to the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications

• Qualifications, experience and/or knowledge of marine geoscience or related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in research voyages is desirable
• Understanding of Antarctic or polar marine environments is desirable.

Are you unsure about applying?

Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.

To Apply

Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include:

• Your resume (no more than 3 pages)
• A brief statement (no more than 750 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Dr Steph McLennan on 0472 737 716 or email steph.mclennan@ga.gov.au.

To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, Applying for an APS job: cracking the code’.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.
• The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role.
• Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre- employment screening, which includes a police history check.
• This role may require travel to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, including long periods of time at sea. Prior to undertaking field work you must be certified as fit for Antarctic service. 

Recruitability

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position. For more information please visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.

Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 133 677, and requesting to be connected with our Recruitment team on 02 6249 9777 in order to obtain selection documentation.

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call Human Resources on (02) 6249 9777 or email hr@ga.gov.au.

A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.