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

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Permanent ongoing opportunity
• Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
• Parramatta office location - hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $109,102.00 to $120,542.00 + super + leave loading

Our Climate & Atmospheric Science Branch is currently seeking to appoint a Scientist Adaptation in an ongoing capacity.

In this role, you will contribute to high-impact research initiatives focused on developing and translating climate extreme indices to support the NSW Government in delivering multi-hazard risk assessments and adaptation planning that consider compound and cascading hazards including, but not limited to, floods, droughts, bushfires, and heatwaves, with a focus on the built environment under current and future climate scenarios.

You will work as part of a collaborative and high-achieving scientific team, applying your expertise in climate change, data processing, spatial analysis, and scientific programming to conduct research and develop analytical tools, technical reports, and resources that translate complex environmental datasets and climate projections into actionable adaptation strategies. Your work will support adaptive management, evidence-based planning, and long-term climate resilience across diverse systems.

Through this research, you will generate robust climate and hazard indices that can be widely adopted by stakeholders across government, industry, and academia, providing a scientific foundation for risk-informed decision-making and climate adaptation strategies.

About You

As a Scientist, you will be a key member of a supportive and high-performing team, dedicated to delivering exceptional results. You will bring strong technical expertise, a deep sense of scientific curiosity, and a proven ability to synthesise complex information through comprehensive literature reviews to identify research gaps and emerging trends. You will be an analytical problem solver, capable of transforming data and evidence into practical, science-based solutions that address real-world climate and environmental challenges.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• The ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team to influence scientific research on climate change adaptation to respond to climate extremes, and multi-hazard risks such as floods, drought, bushfires, and heatwaves to inform in the built environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews on multi-hazard risk assessment and climate adaptation topics to identify knowledge gaps, interpret findings, and translate insights into practical, evidence-based solutions for real-world challenges.
• Proven experience in data visualisation and reporting, including the use of AI-enabled platforms such as Power BI or similar tools.
• Ability to develop and deliver high-quality outputs, including technical reports, plain-language summaries, peer-reviewed publications, and briefing materials that support evidence-based decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, with the capacity to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant scientific qualifications (PhD, or equivalent experience) in climate risk and/or adaptation science, environmental science and engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in climate extremes, multi-hazard risk assessment (experience in one or more hazard areas, such as floods, droughts, bushfires, and heatwaves), and climate change adaptation.
• Advanced programming skills in processing, analysing, modelling, and visualising climate and environmental datasets using Python.
• Advanced geospatial analysis skills, with demonstrated experience using ArcGIS and QGIS to support climate and environmental research.
• A strong track record of publications in high-impact journals and presentations at prestigious conferences.
• Knowledge of climate extremes, multi-hazard risk assessment, and the impacts of climate change on the built or natural environment, including the use of regional climate projections. Familiarity with NARCliM2.0 projections is advantageous.

For more information read the full Role Description: Scientist Adaptation

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.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday, 9 November at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Dr Maryam Farzadkhoo, Principal Scientist, Adaptation, Impact and Risk Science via [email protected].

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.

DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [email protected] or contacting Mariam Barakat on 0429 667 238 (please mention reference number 545914).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Guide for Aboriginal Applicants to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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