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

• Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.
• Together, we work to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

About the role

Our Water, Wetlands & Coastal Science branch is seeking to appoint an Environmental Technician to support research projects and scientific programs undertaken within the Coastal and Marine Team.

As a Technician in the Team, your key responsibility is to support the acquisition, analysis and delivery of environmental data across an array of coastal and marine environmental settings. Your role will support the team by providing comprehensive and diverse technical and logistical assistance in planning and undertaking fieldwork, managing and maintaining equipment and scientific instrumentation, and assisting in the completion of laboratory and data analyses.

Successful applicants will benefit from prior commercial or research experience onboard vessels in unsheltered waters, particularly experience as the vessel operator and where waterborne equipment deployments and retrievals were a primary task (e.g. moorings, nets, sensors, samplers). Though current Coxswain NC1 certification is not a requirement for the role, significant demonstrated progress towards its attainment is highly desirable.

About You

As an Environmental Technician you will be part of a supportive and high performing science and research team that works across multiple coastal and marine environments aimed at building knowledge to inform management and policy decisions. You will be committed to working collaboratively to deliver customer-focused results from technical or scientific projects.

You will:

• Manage the operation and maintenance of the permanently deployed research vessel “RV Bombora” – an 11.8m fiberglass single-hull Stebercraft, with twin-screws, 2 x 330HP inboard Yanmar engines, hydraulic-driven roof-mounted winch, starboard-mounted capstan and transom-mounted A-frame systems.
• Provide technical and logistic support to research projects for the team, including procurement, general vessel maintenance, maintenance calibration of instruments, field work, laboratory work, data collation and database management.
• Organise and participate in field trips, undertake field sample collection, and procure, operate, maintain and calibrate field and laboratory equipment (including sophisticated electronic instruments) to ensure tasks are completed in a manner that maintains Quality Control and Quality Assurance.
• Operate, and assist in maintaining Branch research vessels key to the team, including a variety of boats (6m and 12m long) and jet skis.
• Prepare samples for dispatch to laboratories for analyses to ensure sample collection protocols and standards are maintained.
• Draft and maintain operating procedures and manuals, including Work Health and Safety procedures, and develop and maintain equipment inventories detailing operational status, maintenance and calibration.

Preferred skillset

• Boating or other relevant field skills, ability to work effectively outdoors and in boats under a range of conditions.
• Coxswain NC1 certification (or close to attaining, or higher level).
• Experience or skills relevant to organising field trips including preparation of field gear and instruments and organisation of collection equipment with comprehensive understanding of safety procedures.
• Experience in administering and delivering science projects relevant to estuarine, coastal and marine environments.

Essential requirements:

• Sea experience (inshore and/or shore capabilities)
• Current NSW car drivers’ license
• Ability to travel and complete fieldwork on short notice in remote locations

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.

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.