Senior Fisheries Scientists/senior Social Scientist

EL 2 – $127,022 – $147,580 per annum plus superannuation ABARES Division Canberra, ACT • Formulate the ideas and scientific advice that will help underpin Commonwealth fisheries management, or lead the social science research agenda for agriculture, water and the environment. • Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds. • City based location with flexible work options. Who we are The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) provides professionally independent, high quality research, analysis and advice to inform policy and decision-making by government and the private sector on significant issues affecting Australia’s agriculture, food and fibre industries. ABARES has capabilities in multi-disciplinary research and analysis in the fields of economics, science and social science with application across agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food and water. ABARES is looking to fill a number of Senior Fisheries Scientist roles as well as a Senior Social Scientist role. Senior Fisheries Scientist The ABARES Fisheries Science Program sits within the Natural Resources Branch at ABARES. The branch provides scientific and economic research, analysis and statistics that inform policy development for, and management of, Australia’s domestic fisheries, Australia’s engagement in international fisheries, Australia’s forests, water markets and Australia’s agricultural land. The Fisheries Science Program provides scientific support for the development and implementation of fisheries legislation and policy. We undertake the critical role of auditing fisheries management performance against legislated and policy objectives. This provides transparency and facilitates the green credentials of the fishing industry, opens markets and aids public confidence. We advocate for quality science in Australia and internationally to support management decisions. We contribute to Australia’s brand of good science, evidence-based decision making and honest brokering. The fisheries science team works at the interface of policy and science. The program works across domestic and international fisheries issues, with scientists routinely working across both areas. It also collaborates with the Natural Resource Economics Program within ABARES, and other organisations, on issues and projects of mutual interest. The program works closely with external collaborators in delivering advice to a range of clients, including the department’s Fisheries Branch, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), international bodies, and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). Please note that several positions are available within the program, some of which have a particular focus on international fisheries and leading Australia’s scientific engagement in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Duties The duties of the role will include: • leading scientific research and providing scientific advice to support the development of fisheries policy and management • providing high level scientific representation in Australian fisheries forums, with a particular focus on domestic (Commonwealth and national) fisheries issues and fora • developing and maintaining effective and trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients (domestic and potentially internationally) • successfully communicating and presenting complex science to a variety of lay or technical audiences • providing effective leadership within the program, including supervising and mentoring staff and building a sense of purpose and direction within a multi-disciplinary research team • engaging with the ABARES Executive and the broader department • managing financial and human resources and ensuring compliance with administrative requirements. In addition to the above duties, for some roles you will also be required to provide high level scientific representation and leadership in International fisheries forums, including Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. What we are looking for Knowledge and experience • A scientific reputation and record of achievement with respect to the application of quantitative or qualitative analyses of fisheries resources within the areas of stock assessment, ecological risk assessment, fisheries bycatch research, resource sharing, climate change impact, fisheries population ecology and status determination and the communication of outputs to diverse audiences. • Experience in achieving outcomes in domestic and/or international multilateral fora. • Experience in the cultivation and maintenance of relationships domestically and/or internationally. • Demonstrated scientific expertise and record of achievement (national and internationally) in fisheries or marine science, particularly with respect to stock assessment or status determination. • Demonstrated sound judgement and initiative in solving complex fishery scientific issues and providing high quality scientific advice. Mandatory qualifications A PhD in a related field or at least 10 years relevant experience in a related discipline. Senior Social Scientist The Biosecurity and Social Science Program in ABARES carries out a range of research and analysis activities and provides ongoing advice to inform policy development and operations across the department. The human dimensions component of the program undertakes applied social science research and analysis in the context of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and natural resource management. The role that people play and the social constructs they create have a significant impact on fulfilling the enduring strategic objectives of the agriculture, environment and NRM portfolios. Understanding how people interact, use and value landscapes is critical to ensuring the sustainability of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. This research area focuses on individuals, groups, social systems, institutions and social behaviour that is required to support the strategic policy, program and operational functions of the department. The Senior Social Scientist will be responsible for leading and managing a small team of social science researchers that contribute to biosecurity-related research, analysis and advice in the biosecurity and social science program and to broader social science research, analysis and advice across the department. They will have primary responsibility for leading the development and implementation of the social science research agenda, focusing on policy-relevant issues for the department. Duties The duties of the role will include: • developing and conducting research relating to the social, cultural and human dimensions of agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries and affiliated communities, and natural resource management across Australia • preparing reports, papers and presentations to support evidence-based policy • providing effective and timely high-level advice to the ABARES Executive, the department and other stakeholder agencies and organisations • providing strategic leadership to the social science team, building research capability and guiding and mentoring staff • building and maintaining partnerships and ensuring effective communication and consultation with key stakeholders in ABARES, the department and the broader research community • conceiving ideas for new social science projects based on stakeholder need, and identifying research opportunities for ABARES • managing human and financial resources in accordance with the values and legislated frameworks of the Australian Public Service. What we are looking for Knowledge and experience • Experience in developing and undertaking policy-relevant social science research focused on agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries, rural communities, and natural resource management. • An understanding of current and emerging issues confronting the rural sector, Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries, the resources they depend on and affiliated people and communities. • Experience in leading a specialist social science team and in managing staff in a research environment. • Experience in designing and undertaking applied social science research relating to areas such as policy reform, change processes, adaptive capacity, resilience, systems thinking, impact assessment and structural adjustment. Mandatory qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a social science discipline (e.g. sociology, psychology, demography, political science, anthropology or geography) and extensive post-graduate experience (demonstrated by either MSc or equivalent, PhD, or relevant and applicable experience). For additional information, please read the Job Description below. Candidate Information Package docx Opens in new window Candidate Information Package pdf Opens in new window Job Description Opens in new window