Senior Team Leader, Ecological Modelling and Knowledge

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 169,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Senior Team Leader, Ecological Modelling and Knowledge to lead statewide biodiversity monitoring and modelling efforts that inform conservation and policy. You will direct a multidisciplinary team and drive innovation in data integration and knowledge sharing.

The role is based in Parramatta with hybrid working options and requires a current Class C driver licence and willingness to travel across NSW.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting programs.
• Expertise in ecological modelling, biodiversity science and data management.
• Proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver science programs.
• Strong leadership with mentoring of multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience building partnerships across government, academia and conservation stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Project and resource management in dynamic environments.
• Current Class C driver licence and willingness to travel.
• Degree qualifications in environmental sciences.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide ecological monitoring and modelling programs.
• Drive data integration and knowledge exchange to inform policy.
• Provide authoritative scientific advice to support strategic priorities.
• Build partnerships across government, universities and conservation stakeholders.
• Lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team of scientists and specialists.

Skills

Environmental monitoring

Ecological modelling

Biodiversity science

Data management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership & mentoring

Partnerships

Strategic direction

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Lead the science that shapes biodiversity conservation across NSW, driving innovative monitoring and modelling programs that influence policy, protect threatened species and deliver lasting environmental outcomes.
• 1 x Temporary (until 30 June 2029) full-time opportunity
• Office location - Parramatta or key Science & Insights regional locations. Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $168,963 to $180,981 + super

Our Conservation and Restoration Science Branch is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Team Leader, Ecological Modelling and Knowledge to lead the strategic direction, delivery and continuous improvement of statewide ecological monitoring and modelling and knowledge exchange to support programs that inform biodiversity conservation and environmental decision-making across New South Wales.

As a Senior Team Leader, Ecological Modelling and Knowledge within DCCEEW, you will oversee the development and delivery of large-scale biodiversity monitoring and modelling to inform programs that support threatened species conservation and evidence-informed policy outcomes. Leading a team of scientists and specialists, you will drive innovation in environmental monitoring, modelling, data integration and knowledge sharing, ensuring scientific outputs are accessible, relevant and impactful. You will build strong partnerships across government, universities, research organisations and conservation stakeholders, while providing authoritative scientific advice to support strategic priorities. This role offers the opportunity to shape environmental science programs at a state-wide level, foster a high-performing and collaborative team culture, and influence conservation outcomes for future generations.

About You

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading large-scale environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting programs within complex scientific or environmental settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in ecological modelling, biodiversity science, environmental data management and evidence-based decision-making.
• Proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver high-quality science programs that support organisational and government priorities.
• Strong leadership experience with a track record of building, mentoring and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience developing collaborative partnerships across government, academia, research institutions and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong project and resource management capabilities, with experience balancing multiple priorities and delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Degree qualifications in environmental sciences and/or relevant experience.
• A current Class C driver licence and a willingness and ability to travel for work.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Team Leader Ecological Modelling and Knowledge

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 Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 11.55pm.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Laura Babian via [e-mail] or on 0427 864 889.

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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Gabriella Schulzer on 02 9585 6521 (please mention reference number 553152).

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.

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