Environment Protection Authority
Science and Assessment Division
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Title of Position:
Scientific Officer, Air Modelling
Remuneration Level:
PO 2
Position Number:
Career Group:
CGPO2
Position Created:
EA0065
Date Position Last Updated: January 2010
Type of Appointment:
Ongoing
Temporary Contract
End Date:
1-5 Year Contract
End Date:
Casual Contract
Hours Per Week:
Part Time
Hours Per Week:
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION APPROVAL:
All excluding Executive Positions
……………………………….
…./…./….
CE or Delegate
Executive Positions
………………………………
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Commissioner for Public Employment
JOB SPECIFICATION
1.
Summary of the broad purpose of the position, and its responsibilities/duties (Its
expected outcome and how it is achieved).
The Scientific Officer, Air Modelling is accountable to the Manager, Air & Noise for
contributing to the provision of air quality information towards the achievement of air
quality strategic goals of the EPA, through development of integrated air inventory
and modelling tools, and completion of comprehensive air quality models for South
Australia. The Scientific officer contributes to development of specifications, project
plans, maintenance of databases, management of consultancies; analysis of
complex information, compilation and publication of reports and development of
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strategic directions for long term air quality management; and provides professional
and technical support to other EPA functions related to air quality.
2.
Reporting/Working Relationships (To whom the position reports, staff for whom
the person is responsible, and other significant connections and working
relationships within the organisation).
The Scientific Officer, Air Modelling, reports through the Senior Scientific Officer Air
Modelling and the Manager, Air Science, within the Air & Noise Branch of the
Science & Assessment Division of the EPA. The Scientific Officer is required at
times to supervise, advise or train other professional and technical staff within the
branch or across the EPA; to operate in or lead teams; to provide support and
assistance to a range of EPA programs for managing industry licences and ambient
air quality; and to contribute to State and national strategies, policies and measures.
3.
Special Conditions (Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements,
frequent overtime, etc).

Current Driver’s Licence is essential.

The EPA is a smoke free work place.

The EPA is committed to reducing its energy usage and contributing to the SA
Government’s greenhouse gas emission targets.
4.
Statement of Key Outcomes/Activities
(Group into major
responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance).




areas
of
Contribute to the development of State air quality management programs by:  Contributing to the development of comprehensive emissions inventories and
air quality models for South Australia;
 Providing professional advice to clients within the EPA and external agencies,
industry and the community on air quality issues.
 Producing clear, accurate, and legible reports, maps and publications;
 Assisting with research and the development of recommendations and
specifications for services, emissions inventories and models.
 Undertaking scientific analysis, evaluation and producing recommendations
in relation to complex information from a variety of sources and disciplines,
under reducing professional direction.
Assist in maintaining the Department’s records by complying with relevant
legislation, government and departmental records management policies, and
current administrative practices.
Assist in the effective use of resources by complying with Government and EPA
systems, policies and procedures.
Contribute to the application of good human resource management practices by:
 Complying with Government and EPA human resource management policies
and procedures and Code of Conduct;
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

Complying with the requirements for employees as specified in the EPA
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, and Injury Management Roles and
Responsibilities Policy; and
Actively participating in the EPA’s Performance and Development Review
program.
Acknowledged by Occupant: ……………………………………………….
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered necessary
to fulfill the position)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
(Includes only those listed in PSM Act
Direction 5 as an essential qualification for the specified career streams)

Degree in Science, Applied Science, Engineering
Management, with a strong focus on Chemistry.
or
Environmental
Personal Abilities/Aptitude/Skills (Related to the job description and expressed in a
way which allows objective assessment)




Ability to critically analyse, statistically evaluate and interpret environmental
data, including developing databases; to develop air modelling skills and
undertake complex modelling that contributes to achievement of EPA strategic
goals for air quality.
Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and speech; to network with a wide
array of people from within the EPA, State and local government, industry and
the broader community; to work effectively as a member and/or leader of a
team.
Sound judgement, initiative and ability to determine priorities and achieve results
within specified time frames.
Ability to effectively use work-related resources and information in accordance
with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines.
Experience (including community experience)

Experience in using word processing software, databases, and applying
complex statistical methods, and/or models to data analysis.

Experience in the preparation and presentation of oral and written submissions
and reports.
Knowledge

An understanding of the principles of environmental management, legislation
and measurement.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Word, Excel and Power Point.

Knowledge of modelling software pertaining to air quality

Knowledge of quality management systems.
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met
all essential requirements)
Educational/Vocational Qualifications (Considered to be useful in carrying out the
responsibilities of the position)

A post-graduate degree in environmental modelling and/or emissions inventory
development.
Personal Abilities/Aptitude/Skills

Ability to manage projects effectively.
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Experience

Experience in applying statistical methods and/or mathematical models to the
analysis of environmental data from a range of sources.
Knowledge

Understanding of the principles of environmental air quality, atmospheric
chemistry and environmental monitoring.

Knowledge of industrial processes and activities, emissions control methods and
air quality management practices and technologies.

Knowledge of Environment Protection Act.

Knowledge of health and environmental effects of air pollutants.

Basic knowledge of public sector requirements for ethical conduct, Occupational
Health, Safety and Welfare, Diversity in the Workplace, Equal Employment
Opportunity and Performance Management.

Basic knowledge of current public records management administrative practices
and systems.
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