Scientific Officer - Water & Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

NSW Health; Sydney; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra leave

Professional development

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

NSW Health is seeking a Scientific Officer for the Water & Environmental Chemistry Laboratory in Lidcombe. The role involves hands-on environmental testing (water) and analytical work to meet quality standards.

You will report on analyses, review results, and may provide evidence in court. A bachelor degree in science or equivalent is required, with strong communication and safety compliance skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher in Science/Applied Science with a major relevant to the Unit or equivalent in analytical/forensic science.
• Demonstrated experience or advanced knowledge in methods and technology in analytical testing in a laboratory.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to manage priorities, maintain accuracy and accountability.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including potential expert evidence in courts.
• Initiative, problem solving and analytical skills for lab issues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational and analytical laboratory activities to comply with standards.
• Review reports and may provide evidence in court on work performed.

Skills

Environmental science

Water testing

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Court testimony

Communication

Safety compliance

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor degree or higher in Science/Applied Science (analytical/forensic)

Job description

Scientific Officer - Water & Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

Employment Type:PermanentFull Time
Position Classification:Scientific Officer
Remuneration:$79,433.52 - $113,298.98 per annum + Superannuation
Hours Per Week:38
Requisition ID:REQ702426
Location: Forensic and Analytical Science Service Lidcombe
Applications Close: 01 November 2026 - 11:59pm

About the opportunity

The laboratory performs a wide range of highly specialised analytical testing of environmental samples (predominantly water) for a comprehensive range of chemical & physical parameters, as well as, anthropogenic and naturally occurring contaminants (including pesticides, disinfection by-products and cyanobacteria toxins) for NSW Health and private enterprise.

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with expertise in environmental science and water (organic & inorganic) testing.

A very hands-on person with sound knowledge and skills using scientific instrumentation relevant to this field of science. Someone with good troubleshooting abilities including identifying and working with other team members to resolve issues and improve processes. A person committed to the timely delivery of services to meet stakeholder requirements.

What you'll be doing

To deliver a range of operational and analytical laboratory activities to ensure compliance with operational standards and procedures, quality standards and continual process improvement. The Scientific Officer reports, reviews reports and may be required to give evidence in any court on aspects of work performed.

What we can offer you

Work-life Balance - Up to 12 additional days off per year in addition to Annual Leave (for full-time employees)

Professional Growth - Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning

Health & Wellbeing - Fitness Passport gym discounts and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and families.

• A Bachelor Degree or higher degree in Science or Applied Science with a major relevant to the Unit, or an equivalent qualification relevant to analytical or forensic science to which the role applies
• Demonstrated experience or advanced knowledge in methods and associated technology in the specific field, in an accredited laboratory or relevant environment
• Knowledge of chemical and/or biological hazards and precautions that exist within a laboratory environment and associated responsibilities
• Ability to work in a responsible and efficient manner, and manage competing priorities while ensuring attention to detail, precision and maintaining accountability of work completed
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to educate internal and external stakeholders, report writing skills and willingness to provide expert evidence in courts
• Display initiative, problem solving and analytical skills including an ability to apply established principles and investigate and resolve general and complex issues within the laboratory environment
• Sound understanding of legislation, policies and requirements that impact the laboratory environment including work health and safety, privacy and quality improvement requirements
• Demonstrated capacity to adopt and model the NSWHP RITES values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Safety

More principles and policies are being established to support hiring managers identify AI formed responses. We may not progress applications if we don’t feel you have spoken to your own experiences and demonstrated your capabilities without AI assistance.

Information for applicants

NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We value, and welcome all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

NSW Health Pathology is committed to providing accessibility and reasonable accommodations and ensuring our recruitment process is flexible, inclusive, and free from barriers, promoting equal opportunities for all to succeed. Please reach out if you need adjustments.

NSW Health Pathology is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce in public health. For Aboriginal candidates, support is available through the Stepping Up website

You must have valid working rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment to be eligible to apply.

All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2026_004 for more detail. The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.

An eligibility list may be created for similar vacancies in the future.

We encourage applicants to submit responses that reflect their own experiences and perspectives.

DNA profile can be compared to other generated profiles to exclude the possibility of contamination.

Need more information?
For role related queries or questions contact Irini Roumeliotis on ***************@health.nsw.gov.au

To learn more about NSWHP please visit “Life at NSW Health Pathology” or connect with us on LinkedIn!

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