Research Leader Freshwater Ecosystems

Department of Regional NSW; Taylors Beach; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Regional NSW is seeking a Research Leader Freshwater Ecosystems within Fisheries & Forestry to guide a team of scientists delivering high-quality research and scientific advice for sustainable freshwater management across NSW.

You will set research priorities, oversee delivery of world-class projects, manage people and budgets, and provide expert advice to senior Fisheries leaders to ensure policy is backed by sound science.

Qualifications

• PhD level qualification in a relevant field with experience leading high-quality fisheries research projects.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and technicians delivering high-quality research and trusted scientific advice.
• Set research priorities and oversee delivery of world-class research projects.
• Provide expert scientific advice to senior Fisheries leaders to underpin policy and regulation.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific leadership

Translate science to policy

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

• Temporary up to 3 years
• Full time, 35 hours per week (Flex time available, allowing additional hours worked to be accrued and taken back as flex leave)
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 11/12 – Salary from $154,231 up to $178,369 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

About the Role

As the Research Leader Freshwater Ecosystems with Fisheries & Forestry, you will lead a talented team of scientists and technicians delivering high-quality research and trusted scientific advice to support the sustainable management and use of freshwater ecosystems across NSW.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide scientific and strategic leadership across a diverse freshwater research program. You will help set research priorities, oversee the delivery of world-class research, manage people and resources, and provide expert advice to senior Fisheries leaders to ensure policy and regulation are underpinned by sound scientific evidence.

About You

This is an exciting opportunity to provide scientific and strategic leadership across a diverse freshwater research program. You will help set research priorities, oversee the delivery of world-class research, manage people and resources, and provide expert advice to senior Fisheries leaders to ensure policy and regulation are underpinned by sound scientific evidence.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative scientific leader who can inspire and develop people, navigate competing priorities and build strong relationships across government, industry, universities, research organisations and funding partners.

You will bring:

• demonstrated experience leading innovative fisheries research
• strong people and project leadership skills
• The ability to translate complex science into clear, credible advice that supports decision-making

The role has significant responsibility for people, resources and research delivery, including leadership of scientists and technicians and oversight of a substantial research budget.

Essential Requirements

• PhD level qualification in a relevant field or equivalent relevant skills, with experience in driving high-quality, innovative fisheries research projects
• A current Australian Driver’s License

Applications close: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Additional Information

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.