Environment Officer

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Canberra/Adelaide locations

Job summary

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Canberra or Adelaide seeks an APS6 Environment Officer to provide high-quality environmental advice for the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste. The role emphasizes EPBC Act knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and strong report-writing capabilities.

Applicants should have a tertiary environmental qualification and be eligible for Australian citizenship with appropriate security clearances.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and policy frameworks.
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders for regulatory outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication to prepare reports and briefings.
• Interpersonal skills to work across political environments with integrity.
• Ability to work flexibly in a fluid, agile team setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality environmental planning advice to support safe management and disposal of radioactive waste.
• Apply EPBC Act knowledge and policy frameworks to inform environment protection outcomes.
• Identify risks and opportunities early in planning and contribute to sustainable design.
• Deliver timely environmental inputs aligning with legislation and policy requirements.
• Use sound judgement to balance risks and provide practical solutions.
• Contribute to a positive team culture, share knowledge, and support colleagues.
• Engage proactively to understand needs and maintain trust with stakeholders.

Skills

EPBC Act knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Tertiary qualification in Environmental Science/Management/Science

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Canberra ACT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) is seeking applications for an APS6 Environment Officer within the Geoscience and Environment Team, Safety and Technical Branch based in Adelaide (open to all departmental locations Australia-wide).

ARWA’s Safety & Technical Branch brings together a diverse and multidisciplinary team working collaboratively to support the development of radioactive waste disposal pathways for Australia that can provide long-term safety, security and environmental protection. Our work includes stakeholder engagement, research and development, regulatory pathway assessment, engineering, planning and the continual strengthening of ARWA's safety culture.

The Geoscience and Environment Team provides the geological, earth science and environmental protection expertise required to assess radioactive waste disposal options, prepare for future site selection and characterisation activities, undertake research and development, support safety case development and prepare to meet environmental permitting requirements to ensure disposal pathways can be delivered safely, securely and in a manner that protects people and the environment over the long term.

Our ideal candidate

This role provides high-quality environmental advice and supports environmental assessment, regulatory compliance and project delivery associated with the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of environmental legislation, particularly the EPBC Act, alongside excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and analytical skills.

Essential minimum requirements:

• Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), including the ability to interpret legislative requirements and policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders to support informed decision-making and regulatory outcomes.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, in particular the demonstrated ability to provide sound advice and prepare written reports and briefings.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills that foster trust and cooperation, and a proven ability to work effectively and with integrity within a politically sensitive environment.
• Ability to work in a fluid environment, remaining flexible, agile and adaptable supporting colleagues at short notice.

Desirable Characteristics:

• Understanding and application of environmental impact assessments and statements, including contributing to their preparation, reviewing technical assessments, and translating findings into robust policy or regulatory advice
• Sound knowledge of site characterisation processes, including the ability to interpret environmental baseline data, identify information gaps, and inform research and development requirements to support evidence-based decision-making
• Strong understanding of environmental systems and ecosystem linkages, with the ability to assess interrelated impacts across biodiversity, water, land, and climate factors in policy and project contexts

The key duties of the position include:

• Provide high-quality environmental planning advice to support the agency’s strategic objectives for the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste.
• Working knowledge of the EPBC Act and other relevant legislation, policy framework, international commitments and international best practice to inform environment protection outcomes.
• Identify environmental risks, constraints, and opportunities early in the planning lifecycle and contribute to risk mitigation and sustainable design approaches
• Delivers high-quality, timely environmental advice inputs that support program outcomes and align with legislative and policy requirements.
• Uses sound judgement and evidence to make decisions, balancing risks and delivering practical, outcome-focused solutions
• Actively contributes to a positive team culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and valuing diverse perspectives working in, leading and influencing multi-disciplinary teams and projects.
• Engages proactively to understand needs, respond to issues, and maintain trust and credibility.

Eligibility

Be medically fit to undertake the duties of the job.

Tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or Science or relevant field and/or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra or Adelaide based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements. Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability.

The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process.

We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer.

Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.