* Provide high quality advice that will help protect our unique environment, and contribute to Australia's transition to a circular economy.
* Work within a multi-disciplinary team of experts with a diverse set of scientific skills and backgrounds.
* Ability to work from various office locations Australia wide and flexible work options available.
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, and 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, Atmosphere and International Branch (CAIB) plays a critical role in protecting the Australia's environment communities and future generations from the risks of pollutants and harmful chemicals. 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 more circular economy by doubling circularity by 2035. Other work the branch is involved in include national actions tackling waste, a new global treaty on plastic pollution and leading Australia's engagement with international chemicals conventions. 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.
In the Chemical Assessments Section, our work requires a strong technical background in chemistry, or a closely related field, combined with a good understanding of regulatory and policy frameworks for chemicals. We have a multi-disciplinary team of regulatory scientists with expertise in chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental modelling, and risk assessment. The Chemical Assessments Section is responsible for:
* supporting effective regulatory decision-making by providing quality, fit-for-purpose advice on chemicals and environmental contaminants
* providing environmental risk assessments on industrial chemicals to the government's industrial chemicals regulator the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
* participating in national and global networks that translate the best available science into effective advice on the assessment and safe use of chemicals
* developing new tools and methods for managing information and assessing risk
* the effective application of science in regulatory decision making.
The key duties of the position include:
As a Chemical Risk Assessor in the Chemical Assessments section, your duties may include, but are not limited to:
* Under limited direction, contributing to environmental risk assessments of industrial chemicals and other technical advice that is consistent with legislation, established priorities, practices, methodologies, and policies.
* Responding positively to technical feedback and peer review.
* Working collaboratively in a team to deliver quality, timely, and influential advice.
* Managing projects and contributing to improving the section's efficiency and effectiveness by upgrading processes and developing new technical guidance, standards, workplans and guidelines, with a focus on high-quality products.
* Establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders and assisting with stakeholder engagement activities (e.g. meetings, workshops and correspondence).
* Developing and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks, and Australian and international best practice approaches to risk assessment.
* Supporting chemical risk prioritisation and assessment capability through the development of new tools and methods for compiling, managing, analysing, and communicating chemical and regulatory information.
Mandatory qualifications
* Tertiary qualification(s) (Honours or above) in one or more of the following: chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, environmental modelling of chemicals.
For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.
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.
* Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
* Pre-employment checks - 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.
Notes
We currently have one vacancy available for immediate filling in any of the above-mentioned locations. A merit pool for filling the same or similar positions in any location in Australia may be established at the conclusion of this selection process.