The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water works to conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia's biodiversity, wildlife and heritage. We work to make the environment and our heritage better for current and future generations. We contribute to improving the extent, condition and connectivity of Australia's and the region's unique environment, consistent with national and international obligations. Working with others, we help identify, protect, conserve and celebrate Australia's significant natural, Indigenous and historic heritage. The Office of the Supervising Scientist ensures the protection of the Alligator Rivers Region (ARR), including Kakadu National Park, and the local communities from the effects of uranium mining by undertaking environmental research and monitoring, participating in and overseeing the regulatory process and developing standards and practices for environmental protection. The Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS) provides specialist technical advice to the Supervising Scientist on the protection of the environment and people of the ARR from the effects of uranium mining. The primary function of ERISS is to conduct research into developing standards and leading practice methodologies for monitoring and assessing the environmental impact of uranium mining in the ARR. Research programs include: Water and sediment quality Ecosystem restoration and landform Drone operations and technology solutions Environmental radioactivity. The key duties of the position include Manage the day-to-day operation of the radiochemistry and alpha spectrometry laboratories, including staff, resources, workflow, data and records, procurements, commercial contracts and WHS requirements. Apply complex wet chemistry techniques to prepare environmental samples for low-level radionuclide analysis. Install and maintain alpha spectrometry equipment and use it to measure the radionuclide content of prepared samples and calculate and report results. Develop, review and update standard operating and quality assurance procedures for radiochemistry and alpha spectrometry. Train and build capability in technical staff working in radiochemistry and alpha spectrometry. Lead or assist with field-based tasks to support research and environmental monitoring activities within the branch. Perform the corporate role of either chemical or radiation safety officer (or deputy).
