Senior Scientist - Fish Passage and Fish Ecology

The Senior Scientist, Fish Passage and Fish Ecology position will lead and deliver high-quality applied research in fish passage, fish movement and aquatic ecology to inform the management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems. The role will provide specialist scientific advice, develop and deliver externally funded projects, and translate research findings into practical management outcomes. A key component of the position is to build the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research’s capability in fish passage and movement ecology by training, mentoring and supporting staff in relevant field methods, analytical approaches and project delivery.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide high-level expertise in freshwater fish ecology, including fish movement and migration, fish passage and fishway assessment, population ecology, habitat requirements and the management of native freshwater fish.
• Contribute to improving fish passage and waterway management by designing and delivering studies that evaluate fish movement, migration barriers and fishway performance.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of technical reports and research papers for submission to international journals in relation to a range of ecological and natural resource management issues.
• Provide authoritative scientific, technical and professional advice, reports and presentations in relation to applied aquatic ecology.
• Build and maintain strong and effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including peers, clients, other government agencies and external stakeholders to leverage investment opportunities and deliver negotiated outcomes.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Degree or demonstrated experience in the field.
• Scientific expertise in freshwater fish ecology: Demonstrated high-level scientific expertise in freshwater fish ecology, including fish movement and migration, population ecology, habitat requirements and the management of native freshwater fish.
• Fish passage and fishway expertise: Demonstrated experience and specialist expertise in fish passage and fishway assessment, including the design and delivery of studies to evaluate fish movement, migration barriers and fishway performance, and the application of findings to improve fish passage and waterway management.
• Project development and delivery: Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering externally funded research and monitoring projects, including preparation of project proposals, management of budgets and resources, coordination of project teams, and delivery of agreed outputs within time and budget.

This is an ongoing part time (0.5 FTE) position. The work location for this position is 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.