The following position has recently been advertised in, Queensland Australia. The closing date has passed but we are still willing to receive applications for another week or so. Please contact Dr. Mark Lewty (details below) for further information. Senior Scientist, Plantation Silviculture DPI - Forestry Queensland Forestry Research Institute (QFRI) Gympie, Queensland, Australia Temporary for Four Years Salary A$ 46,097 - 49,658 PURPOSE OF THE POSITION To provide specialist expertise for the development and implementation of the plantation silviculture research program of the Queensland Forestry Research Institute. This program involves research projects directed towards the development and refinement of silvicultural techniques for the establishment (including nursery procedures) and maintenance of plantations of a range of tree species, in particular Araucaria and tropical pines. The emphasis of the research work in the tropical pines will be directed at developing silvicultural systems for operational clonal forestry. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION * Liaise with clients to identify research needs and priorities relating to plantation silviculture, including nurseries, plantation establishment and maintenance. The major emphasis will be on clonal forestry, and in particular to carry out investigations into the clone x site x silvicultural management interaction. * Assist the Program Leader Silviculture to negotiate with clients the development and funding of appropriate research projects at Departmental, state, national and international levels. * Initiate and manage silvicultural research projects negotiated with managers, industry, clients and other stakeholders. This will include the setting of project milestones, preparation of budgets, monitoring of expenditure, evaluating and reporting of outcomes. * Ensure that project data are collected, collated, analysed (including statistical analysis) and evaluated, and the results disseminated to clients and published in scientific journals. * Ensure the effective and rapid integration of research results into commercial practice through initiating appropriate client advisory activities, including workshops, field days and other forms of communication. * Maintain a high profile in the field of plantation silviculture research, representing the QFRI and DPI Forestry at state, national and international forums as required; and cooperate with other staff to promote the business of the QFRI. * Contribute strongly as required to the QFRI's external value-adding programs. * Maintain an active individual professional development program and contribute to the development of appropriate professional networks at state and national levels. Contribute to the professional training and development program for project staff. PRIMARY DELEGATIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES Expenditure authority of $ 10,000 as delegated by the Director-General, Department of Primary Industries, under the Financial Administration and Audit Act (1977-1991). ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT The purpose of the Department of Primary Industries is to create an environment for the sustainable economic development of the State by managing and enhancing its water, vegetation and land production systems in an integrated framework. The Department has responsibilities associated with agriculture, water, forest, fishing and related industries including research and information exchange, developing and managing the water and forest resources for the benefit of the community as well as undertaking a range of regulatory activities. In total the Department manages the resources of approximately 3,500 employees and a budget of some $350 million (all sources). The position is located in the DPI Forestry which has become fully commercialised from 1 July 1995, and subject to a separate regional structure. The approved structure comprises three divisions (Production, Marketing and Business Services) at Central Office, with a policy and strategic planning focus, and two Regions (South East, North & West) charged with implementation of operations. The Queensland Forestry Research Institute (QFRI) is the Research Division of QDPI Forestry. Current staffing of the QFRI is in excess of 90 persons. The QDPI Forestry manages 4.4 million hectares of the State's forest, of which 174000 hectares are plantations of exotic or native conifers. The broad role of the QFRI is to undertake research and development work supporting the activities of the Department of Primary Industries - Forestry through successful conduct of projects aimed at increasing productivity, promoting sustainability, and various value-adding activities associated with intellectual property. All projects are conducted essentially on a contract basis. At this stage the client groups are primarily within the DPI Forestry, but it is anticipated that an increasing amount of externally funded work will be generated. The Silviculture Group has been responsible for major advances in tropical plantation silviculture. In particular, this includes the development of nursery, establishment and post-establishment silvicultural techniques for Araucaria cunninghamii and tropical Pinus species. Work is conducted also on a range of eucalypts, acacias and other tropical hardwoods. The group interacts closely with other groups at QFRI. An increasing emphasis of silvicultural research programs has been the investigation of silvicultural requirements of individual families and clones developed by the staff from the Genetic Resources Program. The Silviculture Program consists of ten scientists, seven technicians, and several overseer and field staff. Coordination and integration of the activities of all members is vital to the success of the Program. The person in this position will be expected to consult closely with other scientists of the Program and within the QFRI and the Forest Development Group. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS The position is part of the Silviculture Program of the Queensland Forestry Research Institute (QFRI), and reports to the Program Leader Silviculture, QFRI. Reporting directly to the position is the Technician (Plantation Silviculture), who supervises the Research Overseer (Plantation Silviculture). Field operatives also report to the position on technical matters relating to Plantation Silviculture experiments. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors Degree in Forestry or related Sciences with significant content relevant to plantation silviculture. Postgraduate qualifications in a field relevant to plantation silviculture would be desirable. SC 1 Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and lead major research projects negotiated with managers, industry, clients and other stakeholders; together with extensive experience in research methodology as applicable to plantation silviculture, including the use of computers and relevant scientific technology. SC 2 Ability to analyse and interpret scientific data, particularly from plantation silviculture experiments, and to formulate appropriate management recommendations and contribute to subprogram strategic planning. SC 3 Highly developed scientific written and oral communication skills. SC 4 Highly-developed interpersonal and leadership skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively via a range of methods and network with colleagues, other DPI staff, clients and stakeholders. Based on the requirements of the position, the abovementioned selection criteria have been formulated. Shortlisting for the interview or other selection methods will be determined by how well applicants satisfy these criteria. It is important, therefore, that applicants attach a statement to their resume concisely describing, with examples, how they consider themselves meeting each of the selection criteria. Each selection criterion should be addressed separately. NOTE: Applicants should address each of the Selection Criteria. CONTACT OFFICER: Dr. Mark Lewty, Program Leader Silviculture, Queensland Forestry Research Institute, Gympie. 61 (0) 7 5482 0862. markl@qfri.se2.dpi.qld.gov.au CLOSING DATE: The closing date for applications for the position is 5.00 p.m. Monday, 3rd November, 1997. Address all applications to: The Vacancy Processing Officer Human Resources DPI Forestry South East Region MS 483 Fraser Rd GYMPIE QLD 4570 Facsimile No. 61(0)7 5482 3430
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