Antarctic Geoscientist

Geoscience Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Geoscience Australia invites applications for a senior role in the Antarctic Geoscience Section within the ORCA Branch, based in Canberra. You will lead onshore geoscience mapping for the Australian Antarctic Territory, aligning with stakeholder needs and delivering high-impact outputs.

You will provide high-level government advice on Antarctic geoscience, integrate multidisciplinary inputs, and represent Australia in forums such as SCAR.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the Australian Antarctic Division’s Polar Medicine Unit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of an onshore geoscience mapping program for the Australian Antarctic Territory, aligning with stakeholder needs and priorities.
• Provide timely, high-level advice to government on Antarctic geoscience issues, including matters related to the Antarctic Treaty System.
• Integrate multidisciplinary inputs to deliver digital spatial products on Antarctic geology for environmental management of field programs.
• Represent Australia in domestic and international forums, including SCAR.
• Lead Antarctic fieldwork as needed, including risk management in remote environments for extended periods.

Skills

Communication skills

Antarctic service fitness

Education

Geology/Geochemistry degree

Job description

Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn.

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 delivers products and advice to advance Australia’s national interests in Antarctica. We are a small team of scientists who work to acquire, analyse and interpret terrestrial and marine geoscience data, and provide timely, expert advice to better understand and manage Antarctic ice-free and marine environments.

We collaborate across GA, government and with research partners to deliver high-impact outcomes that support the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy and the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan. Joining our team presents an exciting opportunity to deliver real impact in one of the most unique places on Earth.

Our section is in the Oceans, Reefs, Coasts and Antarctic (ORCA) Branch which provides the geospatial and scientific insights that help shape our marine and coastal future. As trusted advisors to government, industry and the nation, our work is essential to a sustainable ocean economy, environmental stewardship, and the long-term resilience of Australia's coasts and communities.

To find how Geoscience Australia is shaping Australia’s future through geoscience insights, take a look at our strategy here.

The key duties of the position include:

In this role you will:

• lead the design and implementation of an onshore geoscience mapping program for the Australian Antarctic Territory, ensuring close alignment with stakeholder needs and strategic priorities.
• provide timely, high-level advice to government on Antarctic geoscience issues, including on matters relevant to the Antarctic Treaty System and Committee for Environmental Protection.
• integrate multidisciplinary inputs to lead delivery of digital spatial products on Antarctic geology to inform best-practice environmental management for a wide range of operational and scientific field programs.
• represent Australia in domestic and international forums, including the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR).
• lead Antarctic fieldwork as needed, including leading strong risk management and scientific prioritisation. This may involve working in remote environments for several months.

To be successful in the role you will:

• demonstrate a strong awareness of the strategic relevance of terrestrial geoscience to Australia’s national interests in Antarctica.
• communicate with influence to provide authoritative advice and translate scientific information into practical recommendations for decision makers.
• build and sustain productive working relationships across Geoscience Australia, government, and research partners, including on sensitive and contested matters.
• champion a positive and inclusive culture within the team.
• apply sound judgement and take a proactive approach to managing priorities in uncertain and changing environments.
• model APS professionalism, integrity and accountability, ensuring consistency with the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications

• qualifications in geology, geomorphology or geochemistry
• excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the Australian Antarctic Division’s Polar Medicine Unit. Further information is available on the AAD website. Please note this does not need to be completed prior to applying.

Use of AI in Recruitment

Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit.

Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role.

Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment, as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the below 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.

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.

Notes

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call our Recruitment and Delivery team on (02) 6249 9*** or email ***********@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.

Getting to know the Geoscience Australia

Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio.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.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.We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.