Role Statement
ROLE TITLE
Head of Earth Science / Chief Researcher
CLASSIFICATION
PO6
DIVISION
SA Museum
BRANCH
Science
TEAM
Earth Science
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT
Ongoing
Position. No.
INCUMBENT
ANZSCO Code
QUALIFICATIONS (to be considered for these duties it is essential or desirable, as listed, that you have the following)
• An earned Doctorate in the field of mineralogy.
ROLE PURPOSE / CONTEXT (primary purpose as relates to DSD strategic objectives)
The Head of Earth Science/Chief Researcher is accountable for leading the Earth Sciences
Section of the Museum’s Science, Research and Collections function which comprises mineralogy
and palaeontology. The Head of Earth Science/Chief Researcher has overall responsibility for this
collection area, its conservation, access and acquisition. The incumbent will lead the section's
research activity, grant applications, publication and communication of research findings in the
fields of mineralogy and paleontology, while also sourcing external funding for and undertaking
their own individual research and publication of findings specific to mineralogy.
REPORTING / WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (to whom the person reports; staff for whom the person is
responsible; internal and external working relationships)
• Reports to: Head of Science
• Direct Reports: Leads and provides direction to the Minerals Collection Manager, Minerals
research team and Senior Researchers – Palaeontology.
• The post will oversee Honoraries and volunteers working in the Earth Science Section.
• Works closely with other members of the Science, Research & Collections Group, comprised of
the Head of Biological Sciences and the Head of Anthropology.
• Liaises with expert counterparts in other States and countries.
• Works with scientific publishing agencies.
• Liaises with other government Departments and national research establishments.
• Liaises and negotiates with funding agencies/organisations.
SECTION A:
RESULTS TO BE ACHIEVED
(the outcomes, outputs, services, tasks and products arising from the duties)
Results area
 The Earth Science section of the Museum's Science, Research and Collections function is
managed, maintained and improved to build, preserve and communicate an understanding of
the natural and cultural world.
 The Earth Science's mineralogy and paleontology collections are acquired, catalogued,
conserved, stored and made accessible to the public and other interested parties.
Obj Doc Id:
Ver: 2.01
Review Date: 23June 2015
Effective Date: 23 June 2014
Classification: For Official Use Only
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Parent: Recruitment and Selection Procedure
DSD Role Statement
 The Museum’s Public Engagement Programme objectives are delivered in relation to the Earth
Science collection and research findings.
 The Earth Science's research program for the advancement and understanding of mineralogy
and paleontology is established and managed, including preparation of a program of
coordinated research activities, preparation of grant applications, overseeing the work of
professional staff, ensuring research methodologies are appropriate, and publishing the
resultant findings.
 The discipline of mineralogy at the national and/or international level is advanced through
conceiving research projects, sourcing external funds, carrying out research and communicating
the results to specialists in this discipline, members of the public and other interested parties.
 Leadership, direction, performance management, coaching and mentoring is provided to the
Earth Sciences team.
 A significant contribution is made to the strategic direction, planning, funding, and performance
of the Science section as a senior member of the Science, Research and Collections Group,
including ensuring that strategies and activities are relevant to the State's economic priorities.
 The SA Museum and South Australian government are professionally represented at national
and international conferences, events and other relevant discourses relating to the disciplines of
mineralogy and paleontology, including speaking and presenting on research findings and the
Museum's collection.
 Opportunities for applied research are identified and capitalised on through liaison and
negotiation with external organisations, other government departments, educational institutions,
and other interested parties.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS(e.g. WHS, Act/Award, location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc.)
 Some out of hours work may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.
 Intra state, interstate and possibly international travel may be required.
 Use of hazardous materials requiring special work procedures and protocols.
 Speaking and lecturing as required.
 Participate in recovery activities relating to emergency management.
 The incumbent will be required to maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate
hazard management practices consistent with the role.
 The incumbent will be expected to uphold the ethical behaviour and professional integrity
standards as contained in the Public Sector Act, 2009.
SECTION B:
SELECTION CRITERIA
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

Extensive understanding of research methodologies and practices relating to mineralogy.

Proven capability to source, manage and acquit external funds, including a strong record of
preparing and negotiating successful grant applications.

Comprehensive understanding of paleontology.

Applied understanding of protocols for handling hazardous materials.

Ability to persuasively demonstrate the economic impact of research work.

Recognition of professional expertise at a national and international level.
Obj Doc
Ver: 2.01
Review Date: 23 June 2015
Effective Date: 23 June 2014
Classification: For Official Use Only
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Parent: Recruitment and Selection Procedure
DSD Role Statement

PERSONAL ABILITIES

Strong intellect with the ability to develop new knowledge.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to influence, negotiation and persuade both
scientists and non-scientific staff verbally and in writing.

Ability to motivate and lead a team.

Demonstrated interest in both theory and application of science.

Model PS Act public sector principles and practices, ethical decision making, WHS and injury
management, equity / diversity strategies, and change management.
EXPERIENCE

Comprehensive publications record in peer reviewed journals.

Proven experience in persuasively demonstrating the economic impact of research work.

Extensive experience in undertaking mineralogy research and applying it within an educational,
government or commercial context.

Strong experience in applied science.

Demonstrated experience in leading a team of professional scientific and research staff to
achieve outcomes.

Demonstrated ability to network across different sectors, including academia, government and
industry.

Demonstrated ability to accept, lead and manage change.

Demonstrated experience in developing and overseeing the implementation of new and
innovative high level programs/research projects.

Demonstrated experience in determining professional standards, objectives and priorities.

Demonstrated significant contribution to the development of professional understanding on a
national and/or international basis.
ENDORSED
Line Manager’s name:
Date:
/
/
Date:
/
/
Date:
/
/
Signature:
Occupant’s name:(if applicable)
Signature:
APPROVED
* Chief Executive/ Delegate’s name:
* Executive (SAES) roles must have CE
approval
Signature:
Obj Doc
Ver: 2.01
Review Date: 23 June 2015
Effective Date: 23 June 2014
Classification: For Official Use Only
Page 3 of 3
Parent: Recruitment and Selection Procedure