Research Officer (Geospatial Science)

jobs.wa.gov.au; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

4 weeks annual leave with loading

Free staff parking

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) invites applications for a role focused on remote sensing and spatial analysis within the Forest Health Monitoring Program. The position involves planning field data collection and developing links to biodiversity and forest health, with emphasis on advancing research techniques using remote sensing.

As part of DBCA, you will contribute to flagship biodiversity conservation initiatives, work with GIS and statistical tools, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of remote sensing and spatial analysis for biodiversity conservation or natural resource management (ESSENTIAL)
• Well-developed skills in analysis, modelling, and statistics using GIS software and Python or R.
• Experience handling complex spatial datasets such as LiDAR, drone imagery, optical/radar imagery for natural resource or conservation management.

Responsibilities

• Implement and extend remote sensing research for forest health monitoring.
• Plan and gather field data and develop linkages to biodiversity and forest health aspects.
• Demonstrate leadership and effective communication in reporting and collaboration.

Skills

Remote sensing and spatial analysis

GIS software

Python or R

Tools

GIS software

Python

R

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY,29 SEPTEMBER 2026

Job Description

This role implements and extends research into the remote sensing and spatial analysis aspects of the Forest Health Monitoring Program including planning and gathering of field data and developing linkages to biodiversity and forest health aspects. The role investigates and develops research techniques using remote sensing informing forest ecosystem management.

At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

• Relevant (SCL1) or sound (SCL2) knowledge of the application of remote sensing and spatial analysis for biodiversity conservation or natural resource management (ESSENTIAL) relevant to forest ecosystems (DESIRABLE).
• Demonstrated (SCL1) or proven (SCL2) well-developed skills in analysis, modelling, and statistics using GIS software and Python or R.
• Relevant (SCL1) or considerable (SCL2) experience in the identification, capture, management, maintenance and processing of complex spatial datasets such as LiDAR, optical and radar satellite imagery, drone imagery and other raster datasets for natural resource or conservation management.
• Well-developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including report and scientific writing skills.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

For further job-related information:

contact Katherine Zdunic on [phone] or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status. To be eligible for contract employment, it is essential to have a visa with entitlement to live and work in Australia for the term of the contract.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or ***********@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.