Researcher

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.
• 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;
• 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 ser