Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 862263
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

Help protect and restore South Australia's iconic wetlands, floodplains and aquatic ecosystems through science that informs real-world environmental outcomes.
PIRSA is seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to join the Plant Ecology team within the Inland Waters and Catchment Ecology Program. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to vegetation monitoring and research that supports the conservation, management and rehabilitation of South Australia's inland waters and estuarine environments, with a particular focus on the Lower River Murray and Coorong.

Through high-quality scientific research and environmental monitoring, you'll help generate the evidence needed to support sustainable resource management, inform government decision-making and improve the health and resilience of freshwater ecosystems across the state.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to vegetation monitoring and research projects that inform the management of South Australia's inland and estuarine aquatic environments.
• Undertake a diverse range of field, mesocosm and laboratory-based activities, including vessel-based fieldwork.
• Collect, manage, analyse and interpret ecological data to support research objectives and environmental management outcomes.
• Coordinate research data management and storage processes, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of scientific information.
• Support the delivery of research presentations, progress reports and final project outcomes for stakeholders and funding bodies.
• Assist technical and casual staff in achieving project objectives and maintaining high scientific standards.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team to deliver project milestones safely, efficiently and on time.

Why Join PIRSA?
At PIRSA, you'll be part of an organisation committed to delivering science that supports sustainable industries, healthy ecosystems and thriving regional communities. This is an opportunity to apply your skills to meaningful environmental challenges while continuing to grow your public sector career.

We offer:

• Meaningful work that directly supports the conservation and rehabilitation of South Australia's freshwater and estuarine ecosystems.
• The opportunity to contribute to significant environmental research programs in the Lower River Murray and Coorong.
• A varied role combining fieldwork, ecological monitoring, scientific analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Challenging and rewarding work in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Opportunities for career progression, learning and professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• The stability and benefits of a South Australian Public Sector career.
• A workplace that values diversity, innovation, integrity and strong partnerships.

Make an Impact
If you're passionate about environmental science and want your work to contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of South Australia's aquatic ecosystems, we'd love to hear from you.
Join PIRSA and help deliver the science that supports healthier waterways, resilient landscapes and informed environmental management for future generations.

About Us
South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.
We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.
It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Opportunity up to November 2027.
• Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Regular intra-state and occasional inter-state travel.
• Fieldwork may require extended periods on small vessels.
• Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.

Qualifications

• Essential: tertiary qualification in a field of scientific research (e.g. environmental, biology, ecology)
• Desirable: understanding/experience in vegetation field sampling and laboratory processing

Remuneration
PO1 - $73,533 min - $89,764 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries
Jason Nicol
Plant Ecology Sub-program Leader
Phone: 0428280189
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

 

Application Instructions
All applications must be submitted online.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Achievement Orientation and Attention to detail capabilities of the attached role description.
Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 01/11/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#2.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO1 Research Officer Inland Waters (Plant Ecology)#2.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.