Job Description:

Job no: 0054548
Location: Parkville
Role type: Part time (0.8 FTE); Fixed term from July 2022 to June 2024
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department/School: School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences
Salary: Academic Level A – $75,289 - $102,163 p.a. plus 17% super

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s #1 university, and is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

About the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences

https://ecosystemforest.unimelb.edu.au/

The School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences (SEFS) is Australia’s premier research and education provider dedicated to the study of ecosystem processes, sustainable land management, and environmental social science in forest and other ecosystems, covering the full range from natural to highly urbanised systems. SEFS combines expertise in the biological and physical sciences with environmental social science to provide research and teaching of applied ecosystem science that is relevant to society, delivering innovative solutions to the environmental issues faced by a rapidly growing global community. Our work spans from molecular to ecosystem scales, from technology to sociology, and from city to wilderness.

Established research strengths include ‘Integrated Forest Ecosystem Research’, ‘Bushfire Science’, ‘Urban Horticulture and Landscape Management’ and ‘Ecohydrology’. SEFS features significant cross-institutional collaborations and engagement activities with many industries throughout Australia and South-east Asia.

As a School we provide leadership in applied sciences through our Postgraduate Coursework degrees, the ‘Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation’ (MEMaC), ‘Master of Science (Ecosystem Science)’ and the ‘Master of Urban Horticulture’ (MUH). Our Graduate Certificates and Diplomas in ‘Bushfire Planning and Management’, ‘Forest Systems Management’, ‘Garden Design’, ‘Arboriculture’ and ‘Green Roofs and Walls’ provide individuals working in industry with opportunities for intensive and career-directed learning and skills development.

As one of seven Schools within the Faculty of Science, SEFS operates from three locations:

• the University’s main Campus at Parkville;
• the suburban Burnley Campus with a century old tradition of excellence in urban horticulture, which today is a dynamic multidisciplinary research centre with a focus on green infrastructure, urban ecology, ecohydrology and forest science; and
• the regional Creswick Campus, the University’s specialist campus for forest science and the birthplace of forest education and research in Australia, which today also is home to significant plant and crop science initiatives of other Faculties.

Our extensive teaching and research facilities at all three campuses are complemented by a number of long-term field research sites including ‘Long Term Fire Effects Study Areas’ established in the 1980s, the Little Stringybark Creek urban catchment experiment, and a ‘Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network Super Site’ in the Wombat State Forest, close to Creswick, which represent a significant strength of the new School.

About the Role

Collaborative practice is key to successful interdisciplinary projects that work in complex social ecological challenges, such as the restoration of tropical peatlands in Indonesia. Restoration brings together multiple disciplinary foci, expertise, worldviews, and forms of knowledge that need practices for integration and collaboration.

Join the Environmental Social Science team in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences at the University of Melbourne to develop and implement a collaborative, interdisciplinary process working with a team of academic, government, private industry and NGO partners across Australia and Indonesia. The position comprises process development and implementation, data analysis and manuscript preparation, field work in Indonesia and science communication. Regular engagement with researchers and local practitioners will support tropical peatland restoration. Highly motivated environmental social scientists with an emerging publication record and a strong desire to make a difference are encouraged to apply.

About you:

Minimum Qualifications Required: PhD

Skills and Experience required to fulfil the position:

• A PhD or equivalent in environmental social science, including environmental sociology, geography, anthropology or related discipline
• An ability to work closely with a team towards a common goal, and independently
• A demonstrated aptitude for research, with a sound publication record in relevant areas, commensurate with experience and opportunities
• Demonstrated ability to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication
• Excellent interpersonal and both written and oral communication skills in English
• Excellent ability to work co-operatively and positively in a multi-disciplinary research- based team environment and liaise with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to engage with relevant professional and industry bodies and stakeholders to foster collaborative partnerships commensurate with experience and opportunities
• Demonstrated excellent organisational skills to meet deadlines and bring projects to a timely completion

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements and generous personal, parental and cultural leave options
• Competitive remuneration, 17% super, salary packaging and leave loading
• Free and subsidised health and wellbeing services, and access to fitness and cultural clubs
• Discounts on a wide range of products and services including Myki cards and Qantas Club
• Career development opportunities and 25% off graduate courses for staff and their immediate families

To find out more, please visit https://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers.

Be Yourself @ UoM

We recognise that our employees are at the core of all our successes and achievements. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community, and we encourage and celebrate diversity. We promote inclusive behaviour, and we actively seek to learn from each other. Indigenous Australians are strongly encouraged to apply for our roles.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria* (found in the Position Description) for the role.

*For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

Should you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at hr-talent@unimelb.edu.au. We look forward to receiving your application!