Job description
Agency Department of Lands Planning and Work unit Land Assessment Branch, Land
Environment Resources Division
Job title Graduate Land Resource Scientist Designation Professional 1
Job type Full time Duration Fixed from 02/01/2026 to 31/12/2026
Salary $68,904 - $87,700 Location Palmerston
Position number RTF Closing 29/10/2025
Contact officer Jason Hill, Director Land Assessment or
About the agency
Apply online
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment
process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the
merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures
plans, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Under the guidance of a principal land resource scientist plan and undertake soil surveys including field-based landform and
soil descriptions, mapping in geographic information systems and data interpretation and analysis.
Context statement
Under the National Soil Action Plan the Australian Government is partnering with the NT to develop a professional
workforce that meets soil and land management challenges in northern Australia. The department is seeking a graduate with
a genuine interest in developing a soil and land resource science career. Over a year the successful graduate will receive on
the job training in soil survey design, planning of field operations, field pedology, use of data systems, interpretation of data
and GIS for soil mapping and analysis.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Review available soil, geology, and related information from satellite and aerial imagery to carry out a preliminary
assessment of a survey area.
1. As part of a survey team plan and carry out extensive field operations.
2. Characterise and classify soil landscapes according to the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook and the Australian
Soil Classification.
4. Secure field data into the NT Soil and Land Information (SALInfo) system and extract for analysis.
5. Develop land resource mapping in a geographic information system (GIS).
6. Play a key role in compiling technical information in reports and spatial databases.
7. Work constructively with project partners including landholders, industry bodies and stakeholders.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. A relevant scientific degree qualification from a recognised university or tertiary institution.
1. Experience collecting field based natural resource data.
2. Ability to work in a small field team camping in remote areas for up to 12 days.
3. An ability to rapidly develop field-based skills used in soil and land resource assessment.
4. Knowledge of geographic information systems.
5. Ability to analyse data and compile technical information for a range of audiences.
7. Current manual NT Driver Licence or equivalent including an ability to operate a four-wheel drive.
Desirable
1. Experience living and working in northern Australia.
2. An interest in developing a qualified soil and land resource science career in northern Australia.
📌 Graduate Land Resource Scientist
🏢 NT Government - Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment
📍 Palmerston City