Senior Scientist, Marine

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

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority Victoria invites applications for a Senior Scientist, Marine, to provide expert guidance across marine and freshwater science and to inform EPA regulatory and strategic decisions on water quality and pollution issues.

The role leads integrated scientific advice, translates complex science for diverse audiences, and collaborates with academia and other partners to address knowledge gaps while safeguarding human health and the environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in marine science and experience undertaking detailed technical assessments and reviews to develop regulatory science advice.
• Knowledge of regulatory science foundations, including relevant acts and guidelines.
• Demonstrated capability to plan, monitor and deliver complex scientific projects or programs, manage risks and budgets, coordinate resources and report on outcomes.
• High-level technical writing and communication skills, including reports and journal publications and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, developing and delivering applied research with academia and partners.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, scientific integrity and accountability.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and build enduring relationships that support delivery of organisational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative scientific advice on marine and freshwater water quality and pollution to support regulatory, policy and strategic decisions.
• Analyse scientific evidence and prepare statements of opinion for compliance and enforcement activities, including prosecutions.
• Lead and coordinate integrated, proportionate and evidence-based advice across specialist functions for complex matters.
• Plan and deliver complex scientific projects, including budgets, risks, resources, performance reporting and outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality technical guidelines, reports, journal articles and publications, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead applied research and partnerships with academia and research organisations to address emerging pollution issues and knowledge gaps.
• Role model accountability, collaboration, ethics, integrity and a positive, high-performing team culture.

Skills

Marine science

Regulatory science

Technical writing

Policy analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Job description

Environment Protection Authority Victoria - Macleod VIC

Whoever you are, whatever skills you bring, you have a critical role in protecting Victoria's lands and waters. Whether in the office or on the ground, you get to see the difference you make each day.

Ongoing, full time role

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

Location: Centre for Applied Sciences, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod VIC 3085

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, Marine, you will provide expert advice and guidance in marine and freshwater sciences to inform EPA regulatory and strategic decisions on complex water quality and pollution issues, major projects and infrastructure proposals.

This is an opportunity to lead integrated, evidence‑based scientific advice, translate complex science for diverse audiences and develop applied research with academia and other research organisations to address emerging knowledge gaps and protect human health and the environment.

In this role you will

• Provide authoritative scientific advice on marine and freshwater water quality and pollution to support regulatory, policy and strategic decisions.
• Analyse scientific evidence and prepare statements of opinion for compliance and enforcement activities, including prosecutions.
• Lead and coordinate integrated, proportionate and evidence‑based advice across specialist functions for complex matters.
• Plan and deliver complex scientific projects, including budgets, risks, resources, performance reporting and outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality technical guidelines, reports, journal articles and publications, and communicate findings to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Lead applied research and partnerships with academia and research organisations to address emerging pollution issues and knowledge gaps.
• Role model accountability, collaboration, ethics, integrity and a positive, high‑performing team culture.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated expertise in marine science and experience undertaking detailed technical assessments and reviews to develop regulatory science advice.
• Knowledge of regulatory science foundations, including the Environmental Reference Standards, Environment Protection Act 2017, Environment Protection Regulations 2021 and relevant guidelines.
• Demonstrated capability to plan, monitor and deliver complex scientific projects or programs, manage risks and budgets, coordinate resources and report on outcomes.
• High-level technical writing and communication skills, including a record of scientific reports and/or journal publications and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience identifying, developing and delivering applied research with academia, research organisations and other partners.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, scientific integrity and a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively and build enduring relationships that support delivery of organisational priorities.

Applications close on Tuesday 17th November 2026 at 11:59PM.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations and suitability for the role.
• Resume including contact details of two referees.

For enquiries relating to this role, please contact *******@epa.vic.gov.au.

Need to know more

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.