AddressWho we are
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.
The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes:
- Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia.
- Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving.
- Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans.
- Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants.
- Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes.
- Facilitating research and science capacity building and education.
- Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation.
- Regulatory compliance, operational frameworks and capability support for the use of drones across the Department.
The ANBG is an award-winning tourism destination, where locals and visitors to Canberra come to explore, learn, relax and enjoy time in nature. Our public events and education programs aim to tell stories through our unique collection of Australian flora. We recognise the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play in our workplace. We aim to attract, recruit, and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Our priority is to ensure a safe workplace where we celebrate all cultures.
The Job
The Science Communication Officer plays a key role in engaging the public in the stories of Australia's plants and ecosystems, and the role the Australian National Botanic Gardens plays in safeguarding threatened species.
The role is responsible for developing and delivering interpretation, social media engagement and Science Communication onsite and online. In this role you will be responsible for:
- Assisting with the development and implementation of an Interpretation, Inclusion and Engagement strategy for the ANBG.
- Developing, evaluating and maintaining ANBG onsite interpretation materials including, signage, brochures, maps and self-guided tour products.
- Liaising with staff, scientists, conservation and horticulture experts to develop high quality Science Communication products.
- Management of ANBG social media channels, including working with Gardens and Parks staff to develop and publish digital content, and promoting events and activities onsite.
- Monitoring trends in social media and online engagement and apply that knowledge to development of online and social content.
- Collect, interpret and report on the Gardens’ web and social media usage and uptake.
- Writing and editing content for internal communication, including newsletters, articles and reports.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
- Demonstrated success developing engaging Science Communication and/or interpretation products for public audiences in a variety of media.
- Experience developing social media content and managing social media channels.
- Experience in stakeholder management and consultation processes.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Skills and capabilities
- Highly developed communication skills.
- Excellent writing and editing skills and editing skills.
- Effective organisational skills and ability to manage tasks with tight deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable qualifications
Qualifications in communications or Science Communication would be desirable.
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
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.
