Senior Scientist Land

Fixed Term, Full time until 10 January 2026

Salary: VPS 5.2 - $124,888 to $136,747 + 11.5% superannuation

Location:  Ernest Jones Drive Macleod VIC 3085

About the Organisation

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• ·        See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• ·        Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• ·        On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• ·        Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role:

Reporting to the Principal Scientist Contaminated Land and Landfill, the Senior Scientist Land will be responsible for undertaking environmental research and providing expert advice, guidance, and delivering programs in contaminated land, groundwater and landfill engineering.

The nature of the work is varied and includes technical advice into contaminated land detailed site investigations and waste characterisation, review of environmental risks and management plans for major infrastructure programs, permissions scheme applications, compliance and enforcement actions and input into associated policy and guideline development. Projects may include research, literature review and stakeholder engagement, for topics such as management of acid sulphate soils, sodic soils and soils containing naturally elevated concentrations of contaminants.

In this role you will:

• ·        Provide scientific advice, guidance, and deliver programs on contaminated land sciences, that meet the priority needs of the EPA as a science-based regulator.
• ·        Deliver scientific advice to inform regulatory and strategic decisions, ensuring an understanding of potential environmental impacts of different options.
• ·        Analyse scientific evidence and prepare statements of opinion for use in compliance and enforcement activities, including prosecutions.
• ·        Communicate scientific/technical information to a wide variety of audiences, including the results of associated research and analysis.
• ·        Prepare scientific / technical guidelines and publications, including journal articles and reports; assess new and emerging technologies and solutions for problems related to contaminated land.

Skills and experience:

•       A tertiary degree and/or post graduate qualifications in applied science, environmental science, engineering or equivalent, preferably with specialisation in contaminated land and or soil chemistry/geochemistry.
• ·    Senior level experience in contaminated land investigation, land capability assessment and remediation engineering in areas such mining, major hazardous facilities, major infrastructure and land development projects.
• ·    Previous hands-on experience in field investigation, including collection of soil and groundwater samples, and or laboratory experience in analysis of environmental samples (preferably soil).
• ·    Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills which demonstrate a consistent positive attitude and team player.

To see the full position description: Click Here

How to apply

Click the ”Apply” button to submit your application. Applications close on Tuesday 10 June 2025 at 11:59PM.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role.
• Resume; including contact details of two referees.

For any enquiries relating to this role, please reach out to careers@epa.vic.gov.au

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.