Assistant Director - Scientist (Forest Sciences)

• EL 1 - $112,294 - $120,780 per annum plus superannuation
• ABARES Division
• Canberra, ACT

• We have a vacancy in our Forest and Land Sciences Program for somebody with a background in forest sciences.
• The program has a strong focus on integrated spatial analysis, holds key national datasets on forests and land use, and works collaboratively with other government and research agencies to report and provide advice on sustainable forest management.
• As an Assistant Director, you will be established in your scientific career, experienced in or with the potential to lead small teams and collaborate widely, and proactive in planning and undertaking research.

Who we are
The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) represents a rare concentration of economic and scientific expertise in Australian government. Most of our staff – including those in senior executive roles – are trained economists and scientists. ABARES is an important link between research and policy, and at ABARES you will be interpreting and advising on real-world problems.

The Job
The duties of this role include:

• collating, synthesising and interpreting data and information on Australia’s native forests; communicating findings for government, industry and the community; and anticipating and providing scientific advice and information on issues associated with Australia’s forests, their use and management
• compiling and analysing tabular and spatial data and information on Australia’s native forest resources and their management for a variety of production and non-production uses, and developing modern metrics for sustainable forest management
• initiating and leading scientific research and analysis, including collaborations with economists, scientists and policy advisers across government, academia and industry, to provide integrated, multi-disciplinary research and advice
• disseminating research results through reports, papers, briefs, presentations, web content and data visualisations
• representing ABARES at meetings, conferences and a range of public forums, and managing stakeholder relationships
• contributing to the planning, coordination and management of team operations to ensure goals and objectives are met.

Work location: Canberra preferred but we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

Skills and capabilities
The successful applicant will possess the following attributes, skills and capabilities:

• well-developed scientific and analytical skills and technical proficiencies
• highly motivated, productive and able to work carefully and accurately with a high level of attention to detail
• demonstrated ability to work effectively with other people in a team, as well as independently
• demonstrated ability to build and maintain constructive professional working relationships and collaborations with colleagues and staff from other agencies and industry
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirables are:

• proficiency in spatial analysis and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• demonstrated ability and willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of communicating scientific outcomes, including web delivery and/or visualisation of information.

Knowledge and experience
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• a record of achievement in applied forest science, environmental science or natural resource management
• experience with analysing or monitoring or reporting on environmental performance and/or sustainable forest management
• a history of successful project management and delivery.

Desirables are:

• experience in one or more of forest ecology, carbon dynamics, and non-wood forest products
• an understanding of forest management, silvicultural systems and the role of Australia’s forest industries
• experience in a state/territory forest management agency or private sector forest industry.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

Mandatory Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science (Honours) or equivalent degree in an appropriate discipline (forest sciences, environmental sciences or natural resource management) or an equivalent qualification. Postgraduate qualifications are an advantage.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.