Reporting directly to the Chief Scientist and Group Executive, Science and Innovation, the General Manager, Research leads the Bureau's Research Program and is a member of the Science and Innovation Group Leadership Team.
The overall objective of the Research Program is to advance scientific knowledge of weather, climate, oceanography and hydrology, with a focus on the development and application of world-competitive weather-climate and earth system prediction models, and associated systems, to meet the current and future needs of Bureau customers. The incumbent will foster an inclusive and collaborative culture within the Research Program and across the senior leadership of the Bureau, particularly with the Research to Operations Program, the National Production Services Program and the Data and Digital Group.
Our ideal candidate
Our ideal candidate will be a people and scientific leader with a track record of leading highly proficient and multi-disciplinary teams. You will have the capability to advance science and innovation in a globally-cooperative environment, to lead culture uplift, and to work with a range of partners to deliver customer-focussed outcomes.
The key duties of the position include:
As a member of the Science and Innovation Leadership Team:
1. Provide scientific leadership for the Bureau and advice to the Bureau Executive on scientific aspects of the operation of the Bureau.
2. In consultation with the Chief Scientist and other science leaders, review, monitor and assess the impact of emerging science trends and provide leadership in and advice to the Bureau on directions for the development of research capability.
3. Develop, coordinate and manage research, under the direction of the Chief Scientist.
4. Collaborate with relevant national and international organisations to maximise the beneficial impact of the Bureau’s Research Program.
5. Plan and manage the resources, finance, people and performance of the Research Program, within annual and forward estimate budget and delegations.
6. Participate in the development and implementation of an integrated approach to capability resource planning to ensure effective utilisation of research capability consistent with the aims of the Science and Innovation Group.
7. Ensure the optimal performance and utilisation of research infrastructure (including facilities, plant and equipment) and contribute to planning and coordination of the necessary capital investment for development and maintenance of research capability.
8. Manage the performance and contribution of staff through annual goal setting and performance reviews, staff development, career planning and mentoring.
9. Uphold and promote the APS Code of Conduct in all professional interactions.
10. Model APS Values and ensure that policies and practices in relation to all elements of the Bureau's Social Justice Strategy are applied throughout the Program.
The Chief Research Scientist Grade 1 is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) within the Australian Public Service (APS). SES leaders are required to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, and uphold and promote the APS Values and Employment Principles by personal example and other appropriate means. To learn more refer to the APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice.
SES leaders who make, or participate in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the Bureau (as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, PCBU) are regarded as an Officer for the purposes of the Work Health Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). To fulfil their duty under the WHS Act, Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure the Bureau complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations. It is the Bureau's expectation that all SES Leaders act in a way that is consistent with the obligations of an Officer under the WHS Act.
Eligibility
Doctor of Philosophy (or an equivalent combination of other tertiary qualifications and research experience, appropriate to the duties).
Getting to know the Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology is one of the few organisations that touches the lives of all Australians and all Australia, every day. The Bureau works across Australia and remote islands, providing services from the Antarctic to beyond the equator, and from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. We are Australia's national weather, climate and water agency, in the Agriculture, Water and Environment portfolio of the Australian Government, operating under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007. We provide data, information, knowledge, insight and wisdom to help Australians prepare and respond to the realities of their natural environment, including droughts, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Our products and services include observations, forecasts, analysis and advice covering Australia's atmosphere, water, oceans and space environments. We undertake focused scientific research in support of our operations and services. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice, we provide one of Australia's most fundamental and widely used public services. We have strong relationships with our customers, partners and stakeholders in Australia, including the Australian Community and the emergency services sectors, all-levels of Government, and focus sectors including aviation, agriculture, energy and resources, national security and water.