Position Summary

Lock the Gate (www.lockthegate.org.au) is seeking an experienced environmental scientist/lawyer to help prevent damaging new gas expansion across Australia. The position requires a candidate who is used to working in a fast-paced environment, with experience in research and producing persuasive, evidence-based writing. This person is highly motivated and can work well unassisted and in a broad-based team to encourage stakeholder action.

The Role

Coal and gas companies across Australia are pursuing massive expansion plans at a time when the International Energy Agency has indicated that no further fossil fuel projects should be approved if the world is to avert climate disaster.

Communities at the frontline of coal and gas projects are grappling with direct impacts of those projects on land, water and culture, as well as living with the impacts of more and more extreme weather fuelled by climate change.

You will be responsible for investigating the environmental and social impacts of proposed fossil fuel projects and associated developments, such as carbon capture and storage, preparing submissions and summary guides highlighting those impacts, and interrogating the compliance of projects with relevant laws and conditions.

You will review and analyse information on threats to water resources, natural areas, communities and our climate, playing a crucial role to support people on the frontline of coal and gas expansions.

You will contribute to maintaining up to date information on project proposals and companies pursuing them and will provide support for work on relevant policy reforms that relate to fossil fuel developments in Australia including climate change policy where relevant.

Skills Required:

Essential Skills:

• Tertiary qualifications in environmental science
• Extensive experience in environmental impact assessment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to develop productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills
• Proven initiative and organisational ability
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Ability to write, edit, and review documents for internal and external audiences
• Ability to work productively under pressure and to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail

Desirable Skills:

• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems
• Understanding of the Australian state and federal governments environmental assessment processes.
• Recent familiarity with the national energy and gas debate
• Experience working collaboratively with scientists and researchers
• Specific experience in researching the impacts of coal or gas projects
• Demonstrated track record writing submissions on development or project proposals
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to working with grassroots networks
• Legal training

Responsibilities include:

• Investigating the environmental and social impacts of proposed gas projects
• Drafting high quality submissions and succinct summary briefings in response to public exhibition of project proposals and policy reforms where required
• Identifying and meeting critical deadlines
• Coordinating information and advice from local communities, energy experts, researchers and scientists
• Building and maintaining relationships with campaign supporters and allies
• Cultivating working relationships with Government and network partners
• Working with the communications team to identify and amplify stories where possible

Lock the Gate is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures and abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a Full time, employment contract for an initial 12 month term and the possibility of extension. We are open to the possibility of a Part Time (4 day per week) contract for the right candidate. We are flexible as to location within Australia. The role would work from home, although working from a LTG office space is an option in some locations.

To apply click Apply Now and follow the instructions.

For more information phone John Russell on 0407 632 864 or contact via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Research Coordinator - Australia-wide enquiry via EthicalJobs.