• Location: Australia wide - You will be based out of one of our EDO offices under our flexible working arrangements. Our list of office locations.
• Term: This position is a 12-month fixed term contract (possible extension based on funding).
• Part-time: Three days per week (i.e 0.6FTE which 22.5 hours)
• Remuneration: SCHADS Level 5: FTE $84-92k + 10% super + 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to apply

Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy.

We are an accredited community legal service and a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that uses the law to protect and defend Australia’s wildlife, people and places. See https://www.edo.org.au/our-work/ for more information on our work.

The Opportunity

We are seeking to employ an in-house Scientific Officer to expand the range of advice we can provide to our team of solicitors and clients. You will work closely with the Director – Science and Expert Advisory and a small team to provide advice on a wide range of scientific issues, and the environmental impact assessment process, in relation to projects around Australia.

Selection Criteria

• A degree in science, natural resource management, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years professional experience in science, natural resource management, or a related discipline.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated science communication skills with an ability to distil complex scientific and technical information into plain English for a range of audiences including lawyers, community members and scientists.
• Ability to work as part of a team, including team members in remote areas.
• Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to manage and meet competing deadlines.
• An interest in a wide range of scientific and technical issues, and in working on issues to support public interest environmental outcomes.
• Commitment to EDO values.

Desirable

• Qualifications or experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geochemistry or economics.
• A well established network of scientific and technical contacts.
• Experience in engaging with community organisations.

Our Culture and Benefits

• We care deeply about creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected and empowered. We are committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or life stage.
• The chance to be part of the largest environmental legal practice in the Australia-Pacific.
• A very flexible and family-friendly workplace.
• Option to work from home.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 15 Days Personal/carer’s leave.
• Extra leave over the Christmas period.
• Access to EAP.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• EDO proudly has a JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion), and a Mental Health Ambassador Committee, and is developing a First Nations Indigenous Peoples Program with the aid of indigenous-led consultancies.

Our Values:

Commitment – We are committed to; a united organisation, to each other, to collaboration, to justice, to our communities and to creating a world where nature thrives.

Diversity – We are respectful of and welcome diversity of staff, volunteers, offices, environmental regions, communities, stakeholders.

Integrity – We work effectively, efficiently, strategically, professionally, and ethically; “justice is in our nature”.

Visionary – We lead change and environmental empowerment using innovation, creativity, and courage.

For further information, contact Megan Kessler, Director – Science and Expert Advisory on 02 9262 6989 or via email at [email protected]. using the subject line: Scientific Officer - Australia Wide enquiry via EthicalJobs.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including a National Police Check, disclosure of previous or current disciplinary action, referee checks, proof of eligibility to work in Australia and qualification checks.

EDO welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, workers of all ages, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

A position description is attached.