Occupant: Vacant File reference: 2011/0390

Transcription

1 ROLE DESCRIPTION SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION Role: Research Scientist Climate Applications Classification code: PO 3 Division: SA Research & Development Institute Type of appointment: Branch: Sustainable Systems Ongoing Section: Climate Applications Temporary Position number: Contract 1 5 years Occupant: Vacant File reference: 2011/0390 Role Description Approval All excluding senior roles Delegate ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS A degree in Science, Agricultural Science or related discipline. CONTEXT OF THE ROLE SARDI is a leading research and development institute delivering innovation to enhance the food, fibre and bioscience industries and living environmental systems, working in collaboration with state, national and international collaborators, partners and investors. SARDI transfers its knowledge, technologies, products and services through scientific exchange, extension and commercial arrangements with the principal aim of enhancing the State s economic development. SARDI currently employs approximately 440 staff in five Strategic Research Areas (Aquatic Sciences, Crops, Horticulture, Livestock Systems, and Sustainable Systems) and a Business Services unit, located at 15 key locations around metropolitan Adelaide, inner country and rural locations. Sustainable Systems Strategic Research Area was established in July 2002 following a recommendation by the South Australian Primary Industries Research and Development Board for the creation of a dedicated area within SARDI focused on sustainability in agriculture and natural resources management. Research is built around the areas of climate risk management, sustainable water resources and irrigation, soil and plant health and entomology. Agricultural production systems and natural systems in SA are vulnerable to seasonal variability and climate change. Farming communities, industry groups and government are asking an increasing number of questions about managing and adapting to climate risk. Nationally and internationally there is a significant climate science effort to understand the main drivers of climate, utilize this understanding in seasonal prediction and to project regional impacts of climate change. SARDI Climate Applications has a high degree of industry engagement and runs applied research, development and training exercises. SARDI climate applications is seeking to build on existing capacity in modeling and analysis of the impact of climate variability and climate change on agricultural and natural resource systems with field monitoring and further engagement with horticulture. This three year contract role is responsible for collaborating with and further developing a research program on modelling, measuring and analysing the impact of climate variability and climate change on agricultural production systems. The occupant works closely with other staff in the SARDI climate applications on a day-to-day basis. The occupant interacts with other SARDI scientists, colleagues in CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology in research and development on applied climate science. Due to the participative nature of the work the occupant collaborates with decision makers ranging from farmers and NRM managers to government and industry policy decision makers. The role will also be required to liaise with funding bodies and other research providers.

2 2 REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The Research Scientist, Climate Applications is responsible to Principal Scientist, Climate Applications and the Chief Scientist, Sustainable Systems. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS This is a contract role for up to 3 years and may be extended depending on funding. The role is located at Waite Research Precinct in Urrbrae, Adelaide. Some intra-state and occasional interstate travel, including absence overnight, will be required. A current car driver s licence is essential. The appointee is required to actively participate in the Growing SARDI Staff Development System and the Improving SARDI continuous improvement program. The incumbent is required to maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate hazard management practices consistent with the role and is expected to uphold the Employee Conduct Standards contained in the Public Sector Act (2009)*. SECTION B: RESULTS TO BE ACHIEVED RESEARCH A research program on modelling, measuring and analysing the impact of climate variability and climate change on agricultural production systems is further developed. Problems requiring complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-industry solutions are identified as a result of previous research, collaboration with other researchers or interaction with industry. Industry and collaborators are widely consulted in developing complex programs. Advanced scientific understanding and resource commitment is applied to project development. Projects are independently conceived, formulated and conducted. Scientific data is analysed and interpreted. Multiple or complex projects, or key involvement in a major project are managed. A record of scientific outcomes, which supplement knowledge and contribute to new or improved products and practices is established Analysis of long-term climate data and climate change projections Climate data is analysed with appropriate rigour to identify trends and test the statistical skill of seasonal forecasts. Climate change projections are made available to decision makers and the uncertainties are clearly understood and communicated. Innovative methods are used to relate time series of climate data (both historical and projected) to variables that are useful to the study and management of agricultural and natural systems, for example time of seasonal break or chance of dry period Modelling the impact of climate variability and climate change on agricultural and natural systems Statistically rigorous and biologically meaningful relationships are developed between climate parameters on one hand and agricultural production data and resource status on the other. Simulation models are parameterised and validated so that they can be used to relate climate data to grain and horticultural crop yield and quality. Simulation models are used in innovative ways to improve the management of agricultural production systems A range of modelling approaches are used to engage agricultural and NRM decision makers in ways that improve their management of climate risk Results of analysis and modelling are communicated to stakeholders and wider scientific community The findings and methodologies of all projects are clearly documented and communicated through workshops and reports to clients of research and through peer reviewed literature to the wider scientific community SARDI Climate Applications Unit continues to develop strong internal and external collaboration

3 All projects taken on by SARDI Climate Applications Unit have a high level of internal support and review 3 The SARDI Climate Applications Unit continues to build collaboration with other researchers in SARDI, universities, SA government, other state departments, CSIRO and the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology. PROGRAM, FINANCE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The research program is managed to achieve key results within budget Responsibility is taken for communication at the program level. Liaison is conducted with industry and/ or client of the program. Project budgets are consolidated into a program financial plan/ budget. Program/ product/ service delivery is managed within budget. Resources are re-allocated as necessary. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALISATION Commercial and other opportunities are identified, negotiated and managed. IP strategies are understood. Appropriate procedures for managing data is established and applied in all project/ program areas. SARDI CULTURE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The research program operates within the overall organisation, directions and culture of SARDI. Support is given to the Improving SARDI program and strategic directions. SARDI s role and objectives are promoted to industry and the wider community. SARDI is represented at meeting, conferences and other scientific and industry forums. Growing SARDI, Staff Development System is pro-actively promoted and applied. Participation in management programs is supported. OHSW and Injury management within the program area is actively managed and reports prepared for the Chief Scientist. Hazard management principles are used to forecast OHSW budgets. SARDI s role, vision and values are understood and embraced and incorporated in program planning and operations. Risk management is incorporated into program planning. Program risk control plans are develop-ed and performance of plans in projects is monitored.

4 4 SECTION C: CAPABILITIES PROFILE (The skills, knowledge and personal attributes that underpin successful job performance) This role requires a person with the following capabilities: Capabilities Professional and technical knowledge Demonstrates sound knowledge across all key areas of applying climate risk information to managing agricultural and natural resource systems. Problem solving and analytical thinking Identifies, defines and solves complex problems relating to work area and associated areas. Logically evaluates a range of information, identifies salient issues and draws sound conclusions. Project management Undertakes prescribed elements of projects according to specifications and deadlines. Communication Presents own position and checks individual or group understanding through appropriate questioning and feedback; seeks affirmation and clarifies own understanding of others positions; communicates actively and effectively in an unambiguous way. Initiative Acts autonomously within scope of duties; looks for alternative ways to ensure work is completed; anticipates problems and takes action. Consultative/collaborative approach Establishes the need for and the degree of consultation required; often seeks input from range of key stakeholders; informs all involved of progress and of decisions made. Behaviours Higher degree in plant production, modelling/systems analysis is highly desirable. Demonstrates ability to analyse and model trends in climate data. Familiar with sources of climate data and appropriate methods of analysis. Demonstrates a good understanding of simulation modelling, including strengths and limitations. Desirable to have knowledge of cropping systems models such as APSIM Demonstrates good understanding of analytical tools ranging from advanced Excel or programming languages. Recognises and names problems clearly, framing them in a way with which others can identify. assimilates, interprets, synthesises and précis large amounts of complex information and draw logical conclusions. Assimilates and incorporates information from a number of sources/paradigms, drawing themes and identifying gaps. Critiques information from a number of viewpoints to discern its value. Works within defined timeframes and budgets to achieve outcomes. Works closely with others to develop and achieve shared goals and commitment to implementation. Plans projects and milestones in conjunction with clients Communicates actively, accurately and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Puts complex information in a form that is clearly understood and relevant to the needs of the audience. Writes and articulates research findings in a way that is meaningful to the intended audience including meeting requirements of peer reviewed literature Produces quality, innovative work without regular supervision. Ensures timeliness, accuracy and reliability of personal, team and project work Identifies sources of funding for short-term and longer term projects Builds positive networks and events in which to create shared understandings. Seeks input from a diverse range of people to gain support and ownership. Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals, sharing information and passing on expertise

5 5 CERTIFIED CORRECT... Delegate Occupant (if applicable) *Employee Conduct Standards (PS Act 2009): PIRSA employees are expected to: lawfully serve the people of SA and endeavour to give their best to meet performance standards and other organisational requirements; treat the public and other employees with respect and courtesy; act with honesty and integrity at all times; be accountable for everything they do; exhibit the highest standards of professional conduct by; o modelling professional and courteous behaviour and conducting themselves in public in a manner that will not reflect adversely on the public sector, their agencies and other employees; o make public comment only when authorised to do so by appropriate delegate; o handling official information confidentially and responsibly and deal with information of which they have knowledge as a result of their work only in accordance with the requirements of the Government and their agencies; o utilising resources at their disposal in an appropriate, efficient, responsible and accountable manner; o refraining from conflict of interest and following correct process; o advising of outside employment where applicable o not accepting gifts or benefits o advising of criminal offences o reporting unethical behaviour.