Our organisation

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is the Australian Government's primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. Our purpose is to protect the Australian people and the workplace from the harmful effects of radiation, through understanding risks, best practice regulation, research, policy, services, partnerships and engaging with the community.

Section overview

The Modelling, Assessment and Emergency Preparedness (MAEP) Section provides advice, underpinned by health impact assessments and expert knowledge, to international bodies, Commonwealth departments and agencies, state and territory regulators, industry and members of the public. The section specialises in dose and risk assessment for planned, existing and emergency exposure situation, maintains expertise in modelling radiation exposure and doses to people and the setting, and maintains and coordinates expansion of the Australian National Radiation Dose Register (ANRDR). Provides support to our obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty by undertaking programs as the radionuclide National Data Centre.

What we offer

- Values and behaviours that underpin a culture characterised by commitment, respect, delivery, inclusion and collegiality.
- Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders, in a context that values leading practice science.
- The opportunity to pursue your interests while contributing to the Australian community.
- A commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals and harness a collaborative environment. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.
- Great working conditions including competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation, generous leave conditions, flexible work practices, modern amenities, and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

To find out more about the employment conditions at ARPANSA, please refer to our Enterprise Agreement via our website.

Primary purpose of the role

This role is directly responsible for providing leadership, co-ordination and advice on the application of modelling and assessment to support ARPANSA’s technical and scientific support services function. You will be required to perform and lead a range of very complex and sensitive scientific and coordination tasks associated with environmental dispersion modelling, radiation dose calculations and health and environmental impact assessments. You will work closely with other staff within the MAEP Section and more broadly with staff across the Agency to ensure that advice provided is based on the latest scientific knowledge and national and international experience.

Key accountabilities

- Work with a high level of independence, under broad direction, to lead and manage staff performing diverse tasks and set work area priorities related to radiation protection and assessing risks and health and environmental impacts from exposure to radiation, with a focus on ionising radiation;




- Implement best international practice and contribute to the development of Codes and Standards for radiation protection;
- Ensure quality outputs and undertake detailed or sensitive projects that impact on the strategic or operational outcomes of the agency, including the development of associated administrative and technical reports;
- Participate as either a team leader or member when the ARPANSA Incident Management Plan is exercised or activated;
- Communicate with and provide advice to a wide variety of clients and external stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate - job specific capabilities

To be considered for this position, you will possess tertiary qualifications in an engineering or science discipline from an Australian educational institution, comparable overseas qualifications, or other alternative qualifications. You will have extensive experience in the development of national radiation protection guidance and procedures. You will have well developed interpersonal and leadership skills to manage a small team and a history of engaging and collaborating with a range of stakeholders including staff, clients and members of the general public to achieve outcomes. You will be comfortable making complex decisions based on sound judgement and expertise and can consistently perform efficiently and effectively at a high level.

You must hold Australian citizenship and be prepared to travel interstate from time to time as required. ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a national security clearance as a condition of engagement. You must also meet required pre-employment checks as necessary.

Selection criteria

The selection criteria for this role are:

1. Demonstrated expert working knowledge of the principles of radiation protection, including the scientific basis underpinning them, and their application in assessing risks and health impacts from exposure to radiation to people and the environment.
2. Demonstrated strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills based on professional judgement and evaluation of risks. Demonstrated knowledge in the application of consequence assessments to estimate risks and health impacts to people and the environment is advantageous.
3. Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret, process and communicate complex data, including the use of data visualisation techniques.
4. Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports which are clear, concise and readily understood by the intended audience.
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build and sustain positive relationships with team members (including as a supervisor or project leader), stakeholders and clients.



High level liaison and communication skills including the ability to impart very complex information clearly and negotiate on behalf of the agency with key stakeholders.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:
- conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999
- agency and role specific pre-employment security checks that may include, but are not limited to:
- entitlement to work in Australian
- national criminal history
- international criminal history
- professional memberships
- qualifications
- sanctions
- anti-money laundering & counter-terrorism financing
- ASIC banned & disqualified persons
- ASIC credit registered persons
- bankruptcy & national personal insolvency
- directorship
- global media check

- former Australian Government employer information sharing
- Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) security clearance eligibility requirements
- evidence of citizenship status required
- evidence of qualifications required of the role
- internal security assessment
- security clearance vetting
- the CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website provides detailed information about the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the required level, the documentary evidence you will be required to provide, the forms that need to be completed, and the relevant timeframes. Please ensure that you are able to provide the required evidence if you apply for the position. Failure or refusal to complete the required forms, or to comply with reasonable requests from AGSVA, will result in ARPANSA withdrawing your security clearance application, and your employment with the agency not progressing. ARPANSA is responsible for assessing how information relates to the agency’s security risks, as well as a person’s suitability for employment by the agency. ARPANSA will use the information you provide to undertake relevant checks in order to identify any factors or circumstances that pose a security risk to the agency and assess whether you are suitable to have access to the agencies non-public assets. You will be notified if you are assessed as unsuitable for employment by the agency.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through ARPANSA Recruitment Portal. Your application should consist of a resume, and a ‘500-word pitch’ that considers:
- Key accountabilities
- Job specific capabilities
- Selection criteria.

ARPANSA recognises the need for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and provide an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity. We strongly encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme applicants who choose to apply under the scheme will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy, where they meet the minimum requirements for the position. ARPANSA will provide reasonable adjustments or flexibilities in the recruitment process as requested. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

Merit pool

The selection process will establish a merit pool that may be used to fill similar positions within 18 months of advertising.

📌 Assistant Director Lead Modeller (Yallambie)
🏢 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
📍 Yallambie