Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Science and Data, Fisheries Division
Job title Director Science and Data Designation Senior Professional Officer 2
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $152,751 - $166,487 Location Darwin
Position number 12812 RTF 350469 Closing 03/08/2026
Contact officer Phillipa Hunter, Senior Director Aquatic Resources on 08 8999 2164 or [email protected]
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=350469
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
The Director Science and Data is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of Fisheries scientific research, technical expertise,
data and information management. This position provides leadership and expert advice to ensure scientific and operational
evidence is robust, relevant and able to be effectively applied to management and regulatory decisions.
Context Statement
The Fisheries Division is responsible for the sustainable management and regulation of the Northern Territory’s fisheries resources.
The Director Science and Data is a senior role within the division, responsible for leading a team to deliver digital transformation
and the integration of science, data and digital capability to strengthen governance, service delivery and organisational
performance.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Provide high-level scientific, analytical and operational advice to inform fisheries management, regulatory decision-making,
harvest strategies and responses to emerging risks.
2. Oversee the delivery of scientific programs, monitoring initiatives, research partnerships and assessment activities to ensure
technical integrity, strategic alignment and program performance.
3. Lead the governance, integrity, quality, security and accessibility of fisheries data, information systems and reporting
frameworks to support sound management and operational outcomes.
4. Direct the development and application of business analytics, spatial information, reporting and decision-support tools to
strengthen evidence-based planning, performance reporting and policy advice.
5. Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage budgets, contracts, procurement, projects and risk to achieve branch objectives and
continuous improvement outcomes.
6. Lead the strategic oversight of fisheries science, monitoring, data and analytics functions to support the ecologically sustainable
management of Northern Territory fisheries and aquatic resources.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Relevant postdoctoral qualification, with a demonstrated national and international profile as a leader in marine science.
2. Demonstrated high-level leadership experience in science, research, data analytics or related technical functions in a complex
operating environment.
3. Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing the delivery of complex science, monitoring, data and
analytics programs.
4. High-level knowledge of contemporary scientific methodologies and/or analytical data approaches, and their application to
evidence-based decision-making.
5. Demonstrated experience in translating scientific, operational and business information into practical advice, reporting,
decision-support tools and strategic insights.
6. Sound experience in governance, risk management, project management, procurement, contract management and budget
oversight.
7. Highly developed communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with
senior executives, government, industry, research partners and other stakeholders.
Desirable
1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in environmental science, data science, analytics, natural resource management or a related
discipline.
2. Experience leading digital modernisation, business improvement and/or organisational change in a science, regulatory or
operational setting.
