Research Scientist - Forest Health Monitoring Coordinator

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

4 weeks annual leave

3 public sector holidays

National Park Entry Pass

Free staff parking

EAP for you and your family

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in Western Australia seeks a Research Scientist - Forest Health Monitoring Coordinator to lead forest health monitoring, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and support conservation outcomes through rigorous data analysis and reporting.

Reporting to the Ecosystem Science Program Leader, the role involves managing the FHMP budget, coordinating reporting for the Forest Management Plan, coordinating data management,

Qualifications

• Proven ability to liaise with diverse peers and stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Knowledge of contemporary biodiversity monitoring principles for ecosystem management.
• Experience undertaking ecological monitoring and research for conservation.
• High-level data management and analysis skills integrating diverse data sources.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the forest health monitoring program with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the Forest Health Monitoring Program budget.
• Coordinate reporting of FHMP projects for the Forest Management Plan.
• Coordinate data management processes.
• Provide expert advice on monitoring program design and data analysis.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Biodiversity monitoring

Ecological research

Data management

Budget management

Education

Master's degree in Ecology

Job description

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

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT

Midday On Monday, 2 November 2026

Applied research undertaken by the Ecosystem Science Program seeks to understand the environmental, ecological and biogeographical processes that determine the conservation values, health and productivity of the lands and inland waters managed by the department.

We currently have an opportunity for a Research Scientist - Forest Health Monitoring Coordinator to join our team.

Reporting to the Ecosystem Science Program Leader, this position:

• Coordinates the implementation of a forest health monitoring program, including liaison with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.
• Manages the Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHMP) budget.
• Coordinates reporting of Forest Health Monitoring Projects for the Forest Management Plan, including synthesising analyses of forest health and undertaking new analyses.
• Coordinates data management processes.
• Provides expert advice on the design of targeted and effective monitoring programs and data analysis.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (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 five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

• Proven ability to liaise and work effectively and respectfully with diverse peers and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
• Considerable knowledge in the application of contemporary biodiversity monitoring principles and techniques related to ecosystem management.
• Significant relevant experience undertaking ecological monitoring and research for conservation management
• High level data management and analysis skills to integrate diverse data sources as applied to biodiversity monitoring and demonstrated understanding of relevant data management systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including preparation of reports, synthesising information and publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals.

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 Adrian Pinder on 0400 629 658 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

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

• A current Western Australian "C" class drivers licence.

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

It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

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

Agency Referrals

Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at [e-mail] during the advertising period.

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 [e-mail]. 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.