Remote Sensing Scientist

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 112,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking a Remote Sensing Scientist (Data and Systems) to oversee computing infrastructure, processing systems and data platforms for NSW's environmental monitoring programs.

You will work with large-scale satellite, aerial and geospatial datasets in the Waratah HPC environment, developing pipelines and scalable data solutions for geospatial analytics.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in remote sensing, geospatial science or related data science.
• Experience with geospatial data processing tools and scripting in Python or Bash.
• Experience with Linux/HPC, workflow automation and data governance.
• A degree in science, computer science or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support computing infrastructure, processing systems and data platforms for NSW environmental programs.
• Work with large-scale satellite, aerial and geospatial datasets in HPC environments.
• Develop pipelines, workflows and scalable data solutions for geospatial analytics.
• Improve data management practices and governance.

Skills

Remote sensing

Geospatial science

Data processing

Python scripting

Linux/HPC

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or CS

Tools

QGIS

GDAL

PostgreSQL/PostGIS

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Work with cutting-edge remote sensing data and high-performance computing to help shape the systems, platforms and workflows that underpin large-scale Earth observation programs and deliver environmental insights across NSW.
• Temporary full-time opportunity (35 hours per week) (up to October 2028 with the possibility of extension)
• Parramatta, Albury, Newcastle, Dubbo or Grafton, with hybrid working supported and location negotiable across NSW
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $112,375 pa to $124,158 pa + super
  

Our Science and Insights team is currently seeking to appoint a Remote Sensing Scientist (Data and Systems) to support the delivery, operation and continuous improvement of the computing infrastructure, processing systems and data platforms that underpin some of NSW's largest environmental monitoring programs.

In this role, you will work with large-scale satellite, aerial and geospatial datasets in the Waratah High Performance Computing environment, supporting automated processing pipelines, data management systems and geospatial analytics platforms.

You will combine remote sensing, programming, Linux-based HPC and workflow automation skills to help improve how the Department manages, analyses and delivers environmental information at scale.

About You

You are a technically capable and curious professional with experience working at the intersection of environmental science, geospatial analysis and data systems. You enjoy solving complex technical problems and are comfortable working with large geospatial datasets, developing scripts and workflows, troubleshooting Linux environments, and improving data management practices.

You are motivated by building robust, scalable and reusable solutions, rather than focusing on routine analysis alone. You work well in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams and can contribute to shared standards, processes and the delivery of reliable, well-governed systems and products.

Key Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated experience in remote sensing, geospatial science, environmental data science or a related discipline, including the analysis, management and quality assurance of Earth observation, spatial and other large complex datasets.
• Demonstrated experience using geospatial, remote sensing and data processing technologies, such as QGIS, GDAL, PostgreSQL/PostGIS or similar, and scripting or programming with version-controlled Python, Bash or related languages for analysis, automation and scientific computing.
• Demonstrated experience working with Linux/HPC systems, workflow scheduling and automation, reproducible data management practices, metadata standards and governance requirements
  
• A degree in science, computer science or other relevant disciplines.
  

For more information read the full Role Description: Remote Sensing Scientist

About the Team - Science & Insights

Working at the intersection of science, policy and delivery, Science & Insights collaborates across government, academia, industry and communities to identify priority issues and deliver practical, high-impact solutions.

The division brings together six specialist branches spanning conservation and restoration, climate and atmospheric science, environmental protection, remote sensing and landscape science, science impact and assessment, and water, wetlands and coastal science.

Together, these teams provide the evidence, expertise and insights needed to understand NSW’s environment, manage risks and drive sustainable outcomes.

The division’s work is focused on building a strong evidence base, advancing innovation in how data is gathered and used, and translating complex scientific information into clear, actionable insights and advice. Through scientific rigour, partnerships and knowledge sharing, Science & Insights plays a critical role in protecting, restoring and strengthening the resilience of NSW’s environment for future generations.

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Applications close Tuesday 10 th November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.