Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 852988
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

The Opportunity

Drive the Science Behind South Australia’s Marine Ecosystem Recovery. The

South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is seeking an experienced Marine Ecosystem Modeller to lead the scientific assessment and recovery forecasting following South Australia’s unprecedented Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) event. This role is designed for a specialist who can deliver high‑level ecosystem modelling that directly informs management decisions, industry recovery strategies, and long‑term resilience planning.

You will develop whole‑of‑ecosystem models that integrate complex biological, environmental, fisheries, and aquaculture datasets to quantify ecosystem‑wide impacts and forecast recovery trajectories. Your contributions will underpin State‑level responses, guide adaptive management, and support the sustainable development of South Australia’s marine resources.

What You Will Lead

• Development of ecosystem models that assess HAB impacts and predict recovery pathways.
• Integration of diverse datasets into coherent, fit‑for‑purpose modelling frameworks.
• Creation of a coordinated approach for evaluating ecosystem‑wide HAB effects and recovery thresholds.
• Design and delivery of research that supports sustainable marine resource management.
• Provision of expert modelling advice to inform adaptive, risk‑based management responses.
• Clear communication of scientific findings through reports, publications, and presentations.
• Collaboration with government, industry, and research partners to ensure modelling outputs are relevant and actionable.
• Contribution to program planning, progress tracking, and timely delivery of project milestones.

Key Deliverables

• Validated ecosystem models that quantify ecological impacts and recovery trajectories.
• Integrated modelling outputs that provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations for management and policy.
• Transparent, best‑practice modelling approaches suited to decision‑making needs.
• High‑quality scientific outputs, including technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications.
• A structured framework for assessing ecosystem‑wide HAB impacts and identifying recovery thresholds.
• Timely completion of project deliverables aligned with stakeholder expectations and program goals.

Who We’re Looking For

• Strong background in ecosystem or ecological modelling, ideally in marine systems.
• Experience working with large, multidisciplinary datasets.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality scientific outputs.
• Strong communication skills across scientific, government, and industry audiences.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively with diverse partners.
• Commitment to evidence‑based science that supports sustainable marine resource management.

Why This Role Matters

The HAB event represents one of the most significant ecological disruptions in South Australia’s marine history. Your work will directly shape how the State responds, recovers, and prepares for future events. This is an opportunity to lead high‑impact science that informs policy, strengthens industry resilience, and safeguards the long‑term health of South Australia’s marine ecosystems.

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!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

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.
• This position will be offered on a 1–5 year contract basis, initially for a 12-month term, with extension subject to funding.
• Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Possession of a current C class driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
• 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

• A PhD in Marine Science or related discipline
• Quantitative ecological modelling experience

Remuneration

PO4 - $122,752 min - $133,635 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Roger Kirkwood         

Sub-Program Leader
Phone: 0429982940
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, Investigative skills and Analytical thinking 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: 06/08/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO4 Senior Research Scientist- HAB Ecosystem Modeller#3.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.