Senior Scientist, Climate and Air

Environment Protection Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority in Melbourne seeks a Senior Scientist, Climate and Air, to provide expert scientific advice and lead programs supporting regulatory and strategic decisions on climate and air quality issues.

You will translate complex evidence into actionable guidance, influence major regulatory outcomes and collaborate with academia and research partners to build applied science. This role requires leadership in evidence-based policy and strong communication across audiences.

Qualifications

• Detailed technical air and climate science assessments and reviews; regulatory science advice across policy, major projects, permissions and enforcement contexts.
• Knowledge of regulatory science foundations, including the Environment Protection Act 2017 and relevant guidelines.
• Plan, monitor and deliver complex scientific projects or programs, including risk, resource, budget, performance and outcome management.
• High-level technical writing and communication skills, with experience publishing scientific reports and/or journal articles and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver applied research with academia, research organisations and other partners to address emerging issues.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, accountability and a strong commitment to scientific integrity, continuous improvement and collaborative stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate integrated, evidence-based scientific advice for the North East Link Project and other complex regulatory, policy and strategic matters.
• Provide expert advice on climate science, air quality and air pollution, including analysis of environmental impacts and options.
• Analyse scientific evidence and prepare statements of opinion for compliance and enforcement activities, including prosecutions.
• Communicate complex scientific and technical information to technical and non-technical audiences through advice, reports, guidelines, publications and presentations.
• Plan and deliver scientific projects and applied research with internal specialists, academia and research organisations to address emerging issues and knowledge gaps.
• Role model accountability, collaboration, ethics and scientific integrity while contributing to a positive, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Air and climate science

Regulatory science

Project management

Technical writing

Applied research

Ethics & integrity

Job description

Salary: Science C.1 - $116,413 to $128,631 + 12% superannuation

About the Organisation

EPA is currently transitioning to a new operating model, creating a range of opportunities across the organisation. We’re looking for talented people to join us and contribute to EPA’s important work protecting Victoria’s environment and community.

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria's environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working. EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles, and offers practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role:

As Senior Scientist, Climate and Air, you will provide expert scientific advice and lead programs that support EPA's regulatory and strategic decisions on complex climate, air quality and air pollution issues. A key focus is leading EPA's scientific advice and guidance for the North East Link Project in line with the Environment Protection Act 2017 and relevant regulatory requirements.

This is an opportunity to translate complex evidence into clear, proportionate and actionable advice, influence major regulatory decisions, and build applied science through collaboration with specialist teams, academia and research organisations.

In this role you will:

• Lead and coordinate integrated, evidence-based scientific advice for the North East Link Project and other complex regulatory, policy and strategic matters.
• Provide expert advice on climate science, air quality and air pollution, including analysis of environmental impacts and options.
• Analyse scientific evidence and prepare statements of opinion for compliance and enforcement activities, including prosecutions.
• Communicate complex scientific and technical information to technical and non-technical audiences through advice, reports, guidelines, publications and presentations.
• Plan and deliver scientific projects and applied research with internal specialists, academia and research organisations to address emerging issues and knowledge gaps.
• Role model accountability, collaboration, ethics and scientific integrity while contributing to a positive, high-performing team culture.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated experience undertaking detailed technical air and climate science assessments and reviews, and developing regulatory science advice across policy, major projects, permissions, compliance and enforcement contexts.
• Knowledge of regulatory science foundations, including the Environment Protection Act 2017, Environment Protection Regulations 2021, Environmental Reference Standards and relevant guidelines.
• Demonstrated capability to plan, monitor and deliver complex scientific projects or programs, including risk, resource, budget, performance and outcome management.
• High-level technical writing and communication skills, with experience publishing scientific reports and/or journal articles and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver applied research with academia, research organisations and other partners to address emerging issues.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, accountability and a strong commitment to scientific integrity, continuous improvement and collaborative stakeholder relationships.

All prospective employees will undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role-related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside, and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths and genders.

Applications close Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 11.59pm