Hydro-dynamic modelling of tropical floodplains:
CSIRO Officer Level 5
(CSOF5: $72 352 - $78 297 + Superannuation. The appointment is indefinite subject to a
satisfactory probationary period.
Enquiries
For further information contact Jim Wallace, CSIRO Land and Water, Townsville (Phone +61
-7-4753 8519; email: jim.wallace@csiro.au). For further information on CSIRO land and
Water visit www.clw.csiro.au and for information on Townsville visit
www.townsvilleonline.com.au/life-in-the-tropics/
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We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven record of research in hydrology
to join the CSIRO Land and Water group in Townsville. This group specialises in tropical
floodplain hydrology, with a focus on understanding processes controlling water quantity
(flows, pathways and evaporation) and quality (sediments, nutrients and salt), with a strong
emphasis on water systems management within a catchment context. The group studies key
components of tropical catchments (floodplains, rangelands and rainforests) in order to
predict the impacts of climate, land use and land management on terrestrial and freshwater
systems as well as the sources, sinks and fluxes of materials leaving catchments and entering
the marine environment. The group also works closely with the CSIRO Water for a Healthy
Country Flagship team that includes staff with skills ranging from floodplain and wetland
hydrology, bio-geochemical processes in floodplains and estuaries, aquatic and terrestrial
ecology, agriculture, economics and social sciences. This team takes a holistic approach to
water issues with a clear societal need.
The appointed Research Scientist will play a lead role in projects that involve the hydrodynamic modelling of floodplains with two principle goals - (i) quantifying the sources, sinks
and transport of sediments and nutrients across floodplains and (ii) the prediction of how the
hydrological response and connectivity of tropical floodplains are affected by land use, land
and water management and climate.
Applicants will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in hydrology or a relevant branch of
the physical sciences including excellent mathematical skills. Experience in flood hydrology,
hydro-dynamic modelling and/or sediment and nutrient transport process would be an
advantage. Applicants will need to have well developed oral and written presentation skills,
be able to work in a multi-disciplinary team and be willing to travel to and undertake field
work.
The initial level of appointment will be negotiated in accordance with skills and experience.
The closing date for applications is 20 October 2006.
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CSIRO Land and Water, Townsville
HYDRO-DYNAMIC MODELLER
Duty statement
The appointed Research Scientist will play a lead role in projects that involve the hydrodynamic modelling of floodplains with two principle goals - (i) quantifying the sources, sinks
and transport of sediments and nutrients across floodplains and (ii) the prediction of how the
hydrological response and connectivity of tropical floodplains are affected by land use, land
and water management and climate. In addition to this the appointee will:
1. Use and develop a hydro-dynamic model/s of floodplain inundation to address both
of the above goals.
2. Together with other members of CLW and the Marine and Tropical Sciences
Research Facility (MTSRF), contribute to an integrated hydro-ecological
understanding of floodplains that is encapsulated within predictive modelling
frameworks.
3. Develop and implement techniques to collect data to develop and test diagnostic and
predictive models.
4. Participate in the science direction of CLW’s Rivers and Coasts Theme and act as a
source of expertise in floodplain hydrology within the Division.
5. Work as a member of the CSIRO Land and Water and Water for a Healthy Country
Flagship teams, which are seeking to develop and provide the underpinning science
needed for sustainable solutions to water related problems associated with human
uses and management of water in the tropics.
6. Assist with the integration of research results at the local (farm and floodplain) scale
into broader catchment management plans (addressing issues such as diffuse
pollution, sediment transport and the development of water quality improvement
guidelines).
7. Communicate the results of research to a range of audiences, including papers in
refereed scientific journals, articles in farmer/industry magazines, and presentations
to scientific peers, natural resource management boards, community groups and
farmers.
8. Contribute to the development of strategic partnerships with major clients, including
funding bodies such as the RDC's and commodity groups, and acquisition of external
funds through grants and consultancies.
Selection criteria
Prerequisite
PhD or equivalent qualification in hydrology or a relevant branch of the physical sciences
including excellent mathematical skills.
Essential
1. Excellent knowledge of flood hydrology, associated analysis techniques and hydrodynamic models.
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2. Highly developed numerical and mathematical skills, with experience of computer
programming and model development.
3. Ability to conceptualize interacting physical and chemical systems and to integrate
this process understanding over a range of temporal and spatial scales.
4. Demonstrated commitment to science excellence and scientific publication.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work both individually and as a member of a research team
with diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
6. Demonstrated capacity to interact with water management agencies in the
development and delivery of research programs.
7. Willingness to travel nationally and overseas.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
9. A demonstrated commitment to EEO, OHS&E.
10. Class C driver’s license or ability and willingness to obtain one.
Desirable
1. Knowledge of and experience in tropical environments.
2. Experience of computational fluid dynamics and flood frequency analysis.
3. Some knowledge of sediment and nutrient transport processes, wetland hydrology,
hydro-chemistry and/or hydro-ecology.
4. Ability to design and direct field campaigns for data collection in harsh / remote
environments.
5. Willingness and capacity to work in remote field locations.
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