Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development– expressions of interest invited from leading experts in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, ecology and/or ecotoxicology.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the department), on behalf of the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from leading experts in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, ecology or ecotoxicology, to fill 2 positions on the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC).

This EOI is being conducted to fill the following:

- Chair position
- Committee member position.

The IESC is an independent, expert, statutory committee established under the Commonwealth Workplace Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Australian Government’s central piece of environmental legislation. The EPBC Act provides a framework to protect and manage matters of national environmental significance. This includes the potential impacts to water resources due to unconventional gas and large coal mining development.

The IESC fulfils an important role in providing independent scientific advice to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, and the Minister’s delegates, to assist with regulatory decision making. The IESC is supported by the technical and secretariat staff from the Office of Water Science, within the department.

The Australian Government Minister for the Environment appoints members to the committee.



These are paid, part-time positions, with remuneration determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.

To be considered for an IESC member position, individuals must demonstrate significant experience and expertise in the fields of geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, ecology or ecotoxicology and relevant to the selection criteria. For the membership position experience and expertise in the field of hydrology will be highly regarded. Experience on committees or similar government bodies, particularly in roles providing scientific advice to government, will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Applicants will be assessed as individuals and should not represent any body, group or community. Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interests, relating to potential membership on the IESC should be detailed in the EOI process.

To apply
Applications will need to be submitted via the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water recruitment system. To start an application, click on the Begin button at the bottom of this webpage.
Applicants need to submit the following:

- Summary curriculum vitae (not more than 2 pages)
- Expression of interest (not more than 1000 words) including details of relevant experience or expertise and addressing the selection criteria
- Contact details of 2 referees
- Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interests, relating to potential membership on the IESC

EOI closing date
COB Friday 4 December 2026.

For further information please see the candidate information pack or contact [email protected].

📌 Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Unconventional Gas Development and Large Coal Mining Development (Australia)
🏢 Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Australia