Join the team at the Australian Biological Resources Study. Use your expertise help build the authoritative database of species names.

• ABRS needs people with skills in biodiversity informatics
• Help build the authoritative list of species for Australia’s biodiversity
• Be part of a committed and passionate team

Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes:

• Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia
• Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving
• Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans
• Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants
• Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes
• Facilitating research and science capacity building and education
• Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation
• Regulatory compliance, operational frameworks and capability support for the use of drones across the Department

The Biodiversity Science and Knowledge Section comprises four teams:

• Australian Biological Resources Study
• Bush Blitz
• Biodiversity Informatics
• Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research.

Our team is dedicated to the science of taxonomy and systematics. We do this by facilitating research in the field, supporting researchers and building capacity, providing authoritative fundamental data on nomenclature and taxonomy for Australian species of plants, animals and fungi, performing research on taxonomy, systematics and conservation of Australian species (particularly plants), public outreach and education, and curating over 1.2 million plant specimens in the Australian National Herbarium.

The Job

The team at the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) is seeking an enthusiastic and suitably-qualified person to manage the Australian National Species List (= the List). We require someone with expertise and skills in project management, taxonomy and/or programming for biological informatics, and building effective relationships with stakeholders. Duties of the role will include, but not be limited to:

• Ongoing project management for the List;
• Managing the data governance and curation of the List;
• Working with developers, scientific experts, end-users and stakeholders to ensure the List is fit for purpose;
• Finding and developing productive collaborations that will be of benefit to the List;
• Developing key communication tools for the promotion of the List.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, e.g., programming for biodiversity informatics, taxonomy/systematics, biological sciences are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with biodiversity informatics, data standards and handling, relational databases, and presentation of taxonomic data in accessible ways.
• Excellent ability to identify emerging opportunities and engage effectively with collaborators.

Skills and capabilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in programming for open source databases, e.g., PostgreSQL.
• Evidence of effectively communicating in written and oral settings, to a wide range of audiences, and demonstrated ability to explain complex or technical concepts clearly.
• Experience in managing complex projects, including budgeting.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritise tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially as a member of a team and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Mandatory qualifications

• Tertiary degree in a relevant field (programming for biodiversity informatics, biological science, taxonomy/systematics).

Eligibility and other requirements

• 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.

Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.