Research Scientist - Fire And Climate

Country Fire Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Paid parental leave

Health Ready programs

Emergency Memberlink discounts

Wellbeing programs

Member Assistance Program

Job summary

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) invites applications for a Research Scientist – Fire and Climate based at the Burwood East Headquarters. This newly created, full-time fixed-term role focuses on researching links between climate and fire and translating insights into long-term planning advice.

You will conceptualise research questions, run analyses, and build models to inform resource planning for firefighting operations across Victoria. Some travel to CFA offices and regional sites is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in fire science or related field.
• Experience with Python or R.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis.
• Bushfire modelling knowledge is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research linking climate and fire to support long-term planning.
• Develop models to project future resource demands for CFA.
• Translate findings into actionable recommendations for senior management.
• Collaborate with the R&D team and communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Travel to CFA offices and regional areas in Victoria may be required.

Skills

Python

R

Data manipulation

GIS

Spatial analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in fire science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About this role

• Location | HQ (Burwood East)
• Full Time | Fixed Term to 22/10/
• PTA 5 | $, - $, pa plus 12% superannuation

CFA is an emergency service that places the community at the centre of everything we do. We work to protect lives and property across Victoria, every hour of the day.

Our organisation is made up of employees working alongside more than 51, volunteers. We value the different skills, experience and viewpoints that people bring, because they strengthen how we operate and support the services Victorians rely on.

We aim to be a workplace where people feel supported to do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to outcomes that matter to the people and places we serve.

To learn more about who we are and the work we do, visit our page.

About the Role

As a newly created role, the Research Scientist – Fire and Climate, is responsible for undertaking research that investigates links between climate and fire, and translating these into actional advice for long term planning The role is responsible for conceptualising research questions, undertaking analysis to identify relationships between climate and fire outcomes, and building models that provide insight into future resource demands for firefighting organisations. This includes identifying the implications of various climate change scenarios, quantifying variability and describing climate phenomena that may be indicative of mild or severe fire seasons.

Reporting to a Senior scientist within the R&D team, the Research Scientist – Fire and Climate is part of a small team that provides authoritative advice to senior management, produces high-quality research outputs and communicates findings to a wide range of audiences.

There may be a small amount of travel required for this role, to CFA offices and regional areas of Victoria, including possible fire training in Macedon.

This is a fixed term, full-time role, based in the Burwood East Headquarters

About you

You will be an experienced research scientist or risk analyst, with a PhD or equivalent in the field of fire science or a related field, relevant research experience, demonstrated experience in Python or R, with strong skills in data manipulation and experience in working with Geographic Information Systems and undertaking spatial analysis.

Knowledge or experience of bushfire modelling, management, suppression and fire behaviour would be highly advantageous.

Join us in helping create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Why choose CFA

• Meaningful Purpose: Your contribution truly makes a difference
• Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave, generous leave provisions
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options with flexible work arrangements
• Discounts: Emergency Memberlink discounts on various services
• Wellbeing Focus: Health Ready programs, flu vaccinations
• Member Assistance Program: Access support across 8 service pathways

Pre-employment Checks

Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who are able to successfully complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will also be required to provide at least two professional references.

Applications close: 11:59pm 26 October .

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act. You can view our Privacy Statement