Senior Research Scientist (Fish)

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A FIXED-TERM (UNTIL 30 JUNE 2029), FULL-TIME POSITION
(WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION OR PERMANENCY)

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST 2026

The Marine Science Program aims to ensure the department's marine biodiversity conservation and management programs are based on best practice science. The program promotes and undertakes marine research and monitoring to improve the scientific basis for the conservation and management of Western Australia's state-wide system of marine protected areas, threatened marine fauna and marine biodiversity generally. Marine research and monitoring are based around the strategies identified in protected area management plans and threatened species recovery/management plans.

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Research Scientist (Fish) to join our team.

Under limited direction, this position:

• Develops and undertakes marine research, monitoring and science communication for the conservation of Western Australia’s marine biodiversity, with a particular focus on fish (scalefish and shark) communities within State and Commonwealth marine protected areas.
• Provides expert scientific advice on these matters.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

1. Considerable experience developing, planning and leading marine research and monitoring to investigate complex scientific problems, with a particular focus on fish communities.
2. Demonstrated high-level data analysis and scientific writing skills, including a strong record of publishing marine science in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Well-developed interpersonal skills, including considerable experience leading teams of marine scientists and communicating science to a range of stakeholders.
4. Considerable experience managing large biological data sets (cleaning, curation, storage and querying) (ESSENTIAL), including the use of advanced analysis and visualisation methods (such as R code, Python, Shiny Apps) (DESIRABLE).
5. Considerable experience using relevant field equipment (including ROVs, BRUVs and DOVs), image analysis software (including EventMeasure) (ESSENTIAL) and online platforms (for example ReefCloud, SQUIDLE+) (DESIRABLE).

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December. 
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

How to apply: 

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than three (3) pages.

• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Dr Richard Evans on (08) 9219 9098 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence. 

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at ***********@dbca.wa.gov.au during the advertising period.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or ***********@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.