Senior Scientist Environmental Forensics

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 128,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Temporary Senior Scientist (Environmental Forensics) to apply cutting-edge science to microplastics research and environmental protection in NSW. The role is full-time (35 hours/week), hybrid with an office in Lidcombe, and temporary until 30 June 2027.

Salary ranges from AUD 128,052 to 142,649 plus super. You will review current projects, engage stakeholders, and translate results into actionable insights while

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with experience in microplastics analysis and/or knowledge of environmental impacts.
• Ability to design, manage and deliver complex scientific projects with competing priorities, timeframes and quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex scientific data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, technical papers, briefings and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills across government, academia and industry.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to explain complex scientific concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Review existing project activities related to microplastics and develop a forward research plan.
• Liaise with stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps and inform research directions.
• Translate complex scientific information into practical insights for environmental protection outcomes.
• Mentor and support other scientists within the team.

Skills

Microplastics analysis

Environmental forensics

Analytical chemistry

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Education

Chemistry

Environmental Science

Related discipline

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.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [e-mail] for a yarn.

Application details

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

Should you require further information about the role please contact Chris Doyle via [e-mail] or on 02 9995 6993.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

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.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Judy Torres on 02 9585 6806 (please mention reference number 553648).