Research Scientist - Fire Risk Modelling

Country Fire Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful purpose

Hybrid work options

Health programs

Emergency Member discounts

Job summary

The Country Fire Authority in Melbourne is seeking a Research Scientist - Fire Risk Modelling to lead CFA's capacity to identify and model fire risk. You will work with a small team of researchers to develop and maintain systems supporting emergency response decisions.

The role involves building models, tools and systems, applying fire simulation, scripting workflows for spatial data, and analysing historical data to quantify trends. Travel to CFA offices may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in science, engineering, math, data science or CS required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with Python and SQL or equivalent skills to apply technical tools.
• Strong programming, scripting, model-building and spatial analysis abilities.
• Knowledge of bushfire modelling, management, suppression or fire behaviour is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of models, tools and systems to describe and predict fire incidents.
• Develop and maintain fire risk models and modelling workflows.
• Apply fire simulation systems and spatial data processing scripts.
• Quantitatively analyse historical data to identify trends and inform decisions.

Skills

Python

SQL

Spatial analysis

Model building

Data science

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

GIS

Job description

About this role

• Location | HQ (Burwood East)
• Full Time | Fixed Term to 28/10/
• 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 Risk Modelling will be responsible for leading the development of CFA's capacity to identify and model fire risk. Working as part of a small team of researchers, this role develops and maintains systems to support CFA's emergency response decisions. Building strong stakeholder relationships will be crucial within CFA to identify diverse organisational needs and engage with the community and government departments.

You will drive the development and maintenance of models, tools and systems to describe, predict and communicate information around the incidents that CFA responds to. The role will require the use of fire simulation systems, development of scripted workflows to process spatial information, and the quantitative analysis of historical data to quantify trends.

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 fire risk analyst, with a PhD or equivalent experience in science, engineering, mathematical, data science, or computer science discipline, and experience in languages such as Python and SQL, or the ability to apply comparable technical skills.

You will ideally bring demonstrated experience in programming, with strong skills in task scripting, model building 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.

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email

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