Senior Geoscientist, Resource Development

About this role

Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn. About us Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. Our culture Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements. What we can offer you When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here . Our team The Mineral Intelligence and Strategic Analysis directorate is part of the Minerals, Energy and Groundwater (MEG) Division. MEG division acquire, analyse and deliver precompetitive data, information, tools and new thinking to support the sustainable development of Australia’s minerals, energy and groundwater resources. We provide authoritative and independent technical advice to the Australian Government to support delivery of national priorities such as initiatives under the Future Made in Australia Act and the Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030. The Mineral Intelligence and Strategic Analysis directorate develops strategic mineral industry intelligence on trends and developments in the sector, Australia’s resource development potential and Australia’s mineral needs and vulnerabilities. The analysis and insights support delivery of Geoscience Australia’s Resourcing Australia's Prosperity initiative and timely, evidence-based advice to government partners to inform government decisions and policymaking. Collaboration is core to how we work. We partner closely across Geoscience Australia and support external agencies including the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Department of Defence, Department of Treasury and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The role The Senior Geoscientist, Resource Development will lead a specialised team to undertake strategic data gathering and computational analysis to provide high-quality, authoritative and timely assessments and technical advice on Australia's resource potential with a focus on advancing critical minerals and strategic materials opportunities in support of the Australian Government’s critical minerals policy agenda domestically and internationally. The role will contribute subject matter expertise to priority projects and to high-quality publications as part of the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative. Working with a high level of autonomy in this role you will: • Lead a specialised team providing advice, support and mentoring to team members, support the Director and Branch Head, and contribute collegiately to the strategic direction of the section and branch. • Oversee and manage the use of service providers, including contractors, consultants and partners in research organisations. • Lead technoeconomics and environmental, social and governance assessments as part of the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative and successfully deliver priority projects across MEG division focused on data analysis and techno-economic assessments of resource potential that inform decision making by government, industry, and communities. • Provide a strategic specialist technical expertise to undertake data gathering and analysis to provide high-quality, authoritative and timely assessments and technical advice on Australia's resource potential with a focus on advancing critical minerals and strategic materials opportunities in support of the Australian Government’s critical minerals policy agenda domestically and internationally. • Nurture and influence strategic innovation, computational analysis and grow organisational capability, particularly in the field of techno-economics. • Communicate with influence on the resource industry with a range of external and internal stakeholders, including representing and growing the reputation of Geoscience Australia in domestic and international forums. • Role model and uphold scientific quality and integrity To be successful in the role you will: • Have highly developed quantitative computational capabilities which span geoscience and resource economics applications. • Have a deep knowledge and understanding of geoscience and the resource sector. • Build and sustain strong, strategic and collaborative long-term relationships and drive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including across Geoscience Australia, government, industry and research organisations. • Anticipate problems and take steps to minimise or prevent them; identify and articulate potential risks. • Deal positively with uncertainty and scope effectively in an environment characterised by change; determine a course of action despite lack of clarity. • Present written and verbal messages in a clear, concise and articulate manner, translate complex scientific and technical information for a range of different audiences, and negotiate persuasively to facilitate agreement and acceptance of mutually beneficial solutions. • Be committed to fostering a positive and inclusive culture in your team and workplace, demonstrating personal drive and integrity. • Adhere to the APS Values and Code of Conduct and consistently behave in an honest, ethical and professional way. Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications • A background in a field of geoscience, preferably with postgraduate qualifications, and a record of providing strategic technical leadership • A demonstrated track record of delivering highly complex computational analysis which integrates geoscience, resource economics and other relevant factors to provide authoritative advice to government, industry and/or communities on resource development opportunities, including formal assessments of uncertainty. • An understanding of Australian mineral commodities, including the factors affecting supply chain security. • Ability to think critically, and compile/build relevant datasets and models to develop strategic insights on Australia’s minerals sector. • Highly effective project management skills with a demonstrated ability to research, plan, implement and deliver activities while independently managing complex, competing demands. • Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and develop effective working relationships and networks across the agency, other jurisdictions and with external stakeholders, including foreign government partners. • Ability to lead, mentor and develop others to build an effective, high functioning team. Are you unsure about applying? Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role. To Apply Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include: • Your resume (no more than 3 pages) • A brief statement (no more than 700 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia. If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Sarlae McAlpine on (02) 6249 5856 or email sarlae.mcalpine@ga.gov.au. To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, ‘ Applying for an APS job: cracking the code ’. Use of AI in Recruitment Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit. Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role. Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment , as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles.