Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics

Job Details; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 128,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is seeking a temporary Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) to advance microplastics research and translate findings into practical environmental protections for NSW.

Based in Lidcombe with hybrid work, the role focuses on project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and building scientific capability within a collaborative team of analysts and researchers.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry or Environmental Science with extensive experience in environmental forensics and analytical chemistry.
• Proven ability to design, manage and deliver complex scientific projects with competing priorities and timelines.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Review current project activities and translate findings into practical insights.
• Engage stakeholders across government, academia and industry to identify knowledge gaps.
• Develop and deliver a forward research plan on microplastics occurrence, fate and impacts.
• Mentor and support other scientists while contributing to scientific capability and innovation.

Skills

Microplastics analysis

Environmental forensics

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific reporting

Data interpretation

Education

Chemistry / Environmental Science degree

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics

• Apply cutting-edge science to solve complex challenges and influence environmental outcomes with a specific focus on microplastics in the environment.
• Temporary full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity - (Up to 30 June 2027)
• Office location at Lidcombe NSW - hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 + super

Our Environment Forensics team is currently seeking to appoint a temporary Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) to support our research into the environmental presence and impacts of microplastics in NSW. Working within a highly skilled and collaborative team, you will use your existing expertise in microplastics to review existing project activities, liaise with stakeholders to identify key knowledge gaps, and deliver a forward research plan relating to the occurrence, fate and impacts of microplastics in the environment. You will play a key role in advancing scientific capability, translating complex technical information into practical insights, and contributing to the development of innovative approaches that support environmental protection outcomes for NSW. The role offers the opportunity to work on strategic scientific initiatives while mentoring and supporting other scientists.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with experience in the analysis of microplastics in environmental samples and/or strong knowledge of the environmental impacts of microplastics.
• Demonstrated ability to design, manage and deliver complex scientific projects while balancing competing priorities, timeframes and quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex scientific data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven experience preparing scientific reports, technical papers, briefings and presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships across government, academia and industry.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.
• Experience contributing to project planning, resource coordination and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, with a commitment to scientific excellence, innovation and continuous learning.

Essential Requirements –

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with extensive experience in environmental forensics and analytical chemistry.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) RD.pdf

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state's environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state's natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close Sunday, 8th November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.