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 location - hybrid working supported
• Salary ranges from $124,322.00 to $138,494.00 + super + leave loading

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

In this role, you will lead and contribute to high-impact research initiatives focused on developing and translating climate extreme indices to support NSW Government in delivery multi-hazard risk assessments and adaptation planning that consider compound and cascading hazards including, but not limited to, floods, droughts, bushfires, and heatwaves for different climate change scenarios, with a focus on quantifying vulnerability, exposure and adaptation within 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 advance numerical modelling, spatial analysis, and programming languages to deliver high-quality scientific insights. Your work will support adaptive management, evidence-based planning, and long-term climate resilience across diverse systems. Working with a team of scientists and collaborators across government, academia, and industry, you will ensure projects are delivered to the highest scientific standards, supporting DCCEEW’s mission to drive evidence-based climate action and sustainable environmental outcomes.

About You

As a Senior Scientist, you will be a key member of a supportive and high-performing team, dedicated to delivering exceptional results. You thrive in collaborative environments, working effectively with high-achieving project teams to produce customer-focused outcomes. You will be confident leading multidisciplinary projects, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, mentoring others, and consistently upholding the highest standards of quality in data delivery, advice, and research outputs to shape impactful climate adaptation research. You are driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared purpose to build a more sustainable future for NSW.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Shape and influence the direction of scientific research on climate change adaptation in context of climate extremes and multi-hazard risk (such as floods, drought, bushfires, and heatwaves) in the built environment and beyond.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the 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.
• Deliver clear, high-quality insights to stakeholders on project outcomes and topics related to climate change adaptation, land-use and strategic planning, and resilience building.
• Apply advanced project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and deliver results on time.
• Demonstrate advanced programming skills in analysing large and complex climate datasets using Python to support climate and environmental research.
• Generate high-quality scientific outputs, including technical reports, plain-language summaries, peer-reviewed publications, and briefing materials that inform decision-making.
• Develop and deliver engaging presentations that simplify technical information for a wide range of audiences, from experts to non-specialists.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive approach that values knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary teamwork to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Essential Requirements

• Scientific qualifications (PhD, or equivalent experience), well-developed knowledge and demonstrated experience of one or more of the following: climate science, environmental science (ecology, hydrology), water and environmental engineering, environmental planning, multi-hazard risk and science or a related discipline.
• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, delivering high-quality technical and non-technical outputs.
• A strong track record of publications in high-impact journals and presentations at prestigious conferences.
• Proven expertise in leading and delivering climate and environmental science projects, with experience in one or more hazard areas, such as floods, droughts, bushfires, and heatwaves.
• Advanced technical and geospatial expertise in analysing climate and environmental datasets using Python, with demonstrated experience in ArcGIS and QGIS for spatial analysis and research support.
• In-depth knowledge of climate extremes, multi-hazard risk assessment, and the impacts of climate change on the built and natural environments, including the use of regional climate projections. Familiarity with NARCliM2.0 projections is advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in developing interactive dashboards using AI-enabled platforms such as Power BI or similar analytical tools is advantageous.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior 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 545912).

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.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.