Job Opportunities in Australia

• EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
• Circular Economy Division
• Canberra, ACT

Who we are
The Circular Economy Division delivers a range of policies and programs that support Australia’s transition to a safe circular economy. Our work helps deliver the department’s vision of an Australia that is prosperous because it is sustainable, with community and Country at the heart of our actions.

Chemicals are part of our daily lives. They are in the clothes we wear, the furniture we sit on, and the electronic devices we use. They improve our lifestyle, but also boost industrial and agricultural productivity and help control diseases. Most chemicals are safe, but some can cause serious harm if they are not managed properly and end up in our soil, the air we breathe, our water, and the food we eat. The Chemicals and Atmosphere Branch (CAB) plays a critical role in protecting the Australian environment and (indirectly) human health from the risks of harmful chemicals, synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances. Our expertise informs work to deliver Government priorities to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Australia’s Paris Agreement targets and its commitment to transition Australia towards a safe circular economy by 2030. Other government and industry programs related to our work include national actions tackling waste, and a new global treaty on plastic pollution. We are a multidisciplinary team that is committed to these roles through undertaking a range of activities that are making a positive difference in the real world.

The Chemical Assessments Section is a multi-disciplinary team of regulatory scientists with expertise in chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental modelling, and risk assessment. The Chemical Assessments Section is responsible for:

• Providing environmental risk assessments on industrial chemicals to the government’s industrial chemicals regulator the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS).
• Supporting effective regulatory decision-making by providing quality, fit-for-purpose advice on industrial chemicals and environmental contaminants.
• Participating in national and global networks that translate the best available science into effective advice on the assessment and safe use of industrial chemicals.
• Developing new tools and methods for managing information on industrial chemicals and assessing environmental risk.

The Job
As a Team Leader in the Chemical Assessments Section your duties will include but are not limited to:

• Setting and maintaining high standards for the environmental risk assessment of industrial chemicals. Including,
• Peer reviewing draft chemical risk assessments to ensure they are scientifically sound and consistent with legislation and government policy,
• Delivering risk assessments and advice within statutory timeframes,
• Assisting in leading and managing the day-to-day work and long-term planning of a large section, Building team capability and leading continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations,
• Maintaining and applying relevant expertise in the context of legislative and regulatory frameworks.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
We are seeking adaptable and enthusiastic applicants with the following background:

• Experience leading a team in the delivery of science-based environmental risk assessments and advice on environmental risks, including managing workflows and allocating resources effectively.
• Experience in contributing to policy development or legislation for science-based government regulation is desirable.

Skills and capabilities
Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate the following skills and capabilities:

• Strong communication skills with a focus on technical and scientific communication.
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific information in a regulatory context and communicate findings clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to drive the delivery of scientific advice and technical policy under time pressures.
• Ability to lead a team, manage workflows and allocate resources to meet legislative requirements and timeframes in a regulatory scheme.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with external stakeholders.
• Ability to develop staff capability through the provision of guidance, mentoring and regular feedback.

Eligibility
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

Mandatory qualifications - Tertiary qualifications in chemistry or a closely related field (e.g., toxicology, biochemistry, chemical engineering).

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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