Senior Scientist , Environment And Science

Passionate about sustainable agriculture and an experienced modeller? Join our Paddock to Reef Modelling team.
As a Senior Scientist, you'll play a vital role in delivering robust science for the Reef 2050 Water quality Improvement Plan. You will work with our catchment modelling and water quality monitoring teams to predict the impacts of farm management practice changes on water quality for the Great Barrier Reef.
We are looking for an experienced agricultural modeller and/or a proficient coder with an understanding of agricultural sciences such as crop production, hydrology, water quality, and soil science.
You will
-Use models like APSIM, integrating landscape and land-use data
-Write efficient, well-documented code (C#, R or Python)
-Analyse large data sets
-Provide technical advice to key stakeholders
-Uphold a positive, safe, diverse, and inclusive culture
Job details Position status Permanent
Position type Flexible full-time
Occupational group Sciences
Classification PO4
Workplace Location Flexible
Job ad reference QLD/540606/24
Closing date 08-Feb-2024
Yearly salary
Fortnightly salary
Total remuneration
Salary Other
Job duration
Contact person Melanie Shaw
Contact details Phone: 07 3170 5627
Access the
As the Senior Scientist (Agricultural Systems Modeller), you will:

• Use paddock scale simulation models, such as APSIM, to integrate soil, climate, landscape and land-use data to predict and quantify impacts of land management practices on sediment and nutrient transport, and greenhouse gas fluxes at paddock scale across the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
• Provide science leadership in modelling, integrating new data and innovative approaches to improve the modelling of water quality and greenhouse gas fluxes from agriculture and horticulture.
• Write efficient and well documented computer code to manage model runs on a HPC and analyse and summarise large volumes of data.
• Provide expert technical advice to internal and external clients on land management and Reef catchment paddock modelling outcomes.
• Produce high quality technical reports and peer reviewed papers suitable for publication in international scientific journals.
• Represent the Queensland Government and build professional networks with stakeholders, presenting results and outputs from monitoring and modelling in a range of forums including scientific workshops, natural resource management bodies and industry stakeholder groups.
• Occasionally assist with field work alongside dedicated field monitoring personnel to collect data to ensure scientific rigour of the modelling.
• 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.

What we are looking for:
We're looking for the best suited applicant for the role. We'll do this by assessing your eligibility and your suitability to undertake the requirements of the role (including, where relevant, the way you carried out previous roles). We'll also consider your potential to make contributions to the department and how your engagement would support our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.
This position requires:

• Demonstrated experience in agricultural systems modelling, preferably using APSIM, and a strong understanding of crop production, hydrology, water quality, gaseous emissions and soil science.
• Proven programming experience (e.g., C#, R or Python) and ability to parameterise and execute large model runs, analyse and summarise large volumes of data. Experience with GIS is desirable.
• Evidence of high-quality scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Experience in identifying complex problems and possible solutions including research, comprehension and critical evaluation of relevant technical information and data.
• Well-developed ability to communicate with influence across a wide range of stakeholders including in the scientific and stakeholder communities.
• Contribution to workplace equity and diversity that enriches our culture of innovation, respect and inclusion.

Every staff member is expected to role model leadership behaviours. This role requires the Individual Contributor leadership capabilities as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland booklet.
This position in based in Brisbane (preferred) or Toowoomba, however travel to regional centres and other offices and for field work is required from time to time. Please indicate on your application your preferred work location.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/540606/24
Closing Date: Thursday, 8 February 2024
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote and .
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
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