Researcher
Job Details
Job Title: Researcher - STER
Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 28 November 2024
Contact: Dr Hunter Laidlaw, 02 6277 2521, Hunter.Laidlaw@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services is recruiting to fill a Researcher position in the Science, Technology, Environment and Resources (STER) section of the Parliamentary Library Research Branch.
The Parliamentary Library supports Australia’s democracy by providing high-quality, impartial and confidential information, analysis and advice to Parliamentarians and their staff. By providing high-quality responses to clients, the Parliamentary Library supports informed policy debates and decisions.
The work is diverse and challenging and includes writing publications with analysis of policy, budgets and legislation often within tight deadlines.
The STER section covers a wide range of public policy areas, including Australia’s natural environment (such as conservation, emissions and climate change), resources (such as energy and electricity, minerals, forestry and water), science and technology.
Who we are looking for
STER Researchers need a science background and excellent information research skills. You need to be able to write clearly and succinctly to accurately summarise and explain complex topics in a clear, non-technical manner.
You must be able to quickly find and provide accurate and relevant information in an impartial manner to parliamentary clients. You must possess a strong client service ethic, be well-informed and fast to learn. Communication skills—both oral and written—must be of a high order.
You will need to work across a range of diverse issues relevant to Parliament. At times, you may be helping the work of Senior Researchers, as well as working independently and under limited supervision in a collaborative environment.
You must possess tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline and be able and willing to work on topics outside your area of specialisation or interest. Ideally you will have broad general knowledge in topics relevant to the section, including an awareness of current affairs and parliamentary processes.
This is an ongoing role. Any merit pool created from this recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing or non-ongoing positions that may arise over the next 18 months.
Job Specific Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in at least one relevant discipline are essential
- The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6
Branch: Research
Section: Science, Tech, Env & Resources
Immediate supervisor: Parliamentary Executive Level 2
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 6 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Providing high quality professional, specialist and technical research on complex issues (including the identification, retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information from diverse sources) for the benefit of parliamentary clients and internal stakeholders;
2. Providing high quality analysis and advice to clients and internal stakeholders in relation to the subject areas covered by the section;
3. Writing, co-writing and/or reviewing research papers and information resources on a range of matters to inform parliamentary clients and other stakeholders, and that maintain the Library’s high standards of scholarship and integrity;
4. Providing high quality service delivery and corporate support functions, including managing client expectations through confident negotiations, and undertaking project work and policy development.
5. Actively develop effective, collaborative and strategic working relationships across the organisation, with other organisations, and with clients and other stakeholders. Share learning and support others in the team.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.
Selection Criteria
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6
Branch: Research
Section: Science, Tech, Env & Resources
1. Ability to perform complex research and analysis
• conducts high-quality research and analysis, and provides advice on complex issues
• uses diverse information and database services
• high-level writing skills and the ability to write research and analysis products in various formats and styles
• works quickly while maintaining accuracy
2. Cultivates productive working relationships
• develops internal and external relationships to support work objectives
• listens to, understands and recognises the needs of others
• values individual differences and diversity
• works constructively to resolve conflict
• shares learning and supports others
3. Personal and professional qualities
• works under limited supervision and manages competing priorities
• possesses a strong client service ethic
• demonstrates probity and accountability, initiative, and good judgement
• promotes and adopts a positive and balanced approach to work
• prepared to develop new areas of expertise, and is committed to professional development
4. Communication skills
• communicates clearly and appropriately
• listens, understands and adapts to audience
• negotiates confidently
• tailors responses according to client requirements
5. Understanding of the parliamentary and political environment
• knowledge of the context, role and operations of Parliament
• understands the role and function of key parliamentary bodies and processes
• deals sensitively, impartially and objectively with controversial issues
6. Eligibility and/or job specific requirements
• Applicants should have knowledge, understanding, and tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline.
How to apply
Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department.
Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
Our purpose and values
We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.
What we can offer
Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
Salary
Currently, the salary range for this position is $94,259 - $105,941 per annum.
Conditions of Employment
Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:
• Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
• Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.