Applied Research Project Coordinator – Drought Resilient Landscapes

Job Description

• 0.8 FTE Part-time, Fixed-term to 11 January 2031 at HEW Level 6.
• Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $97,693 – $104,713 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading (Pro Rata $78,154.40 to $83,770.40)

Coordinate applied research improving drought resilience across NSW landscapes through field, data and stakeholder engagement.

The Opportunity
You will coordinate research delivery for a major drought resilience program funded through the Future Drought Fund. Working within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, you will support investigators to deliver project outcomes through effective planning, reporting and stakeholder collaboration.

You will manage multiple research activities simultaneously, including coordinating field surveys, restoration experiments and data collection. The role requires strong organisation to align project milestones, budgets and reporting requirements, ensuring program deliverables are met.

You will work closely with researchers, government partners, industry stakeholders and community groups. You will contribute to communication and engagement activities, including website updates, newsletters and stakeholder interactions, supporting knowledge sharing across collaborators and regional communities.

What Success Looks Like:

• Coordinated delivery of research activities aligned to program milestones.
• Effective management of project budgets, reporting and documentation.
• Well-organised fieldwork and data collection supporting research outputs.
• Strong collaboration and communication with project partners and stakeholders.
• Timely and accurate reporting to meet funding and research agreement requirements.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• An undergraduate degree with experience in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Experience in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines, preferably in a research environment.
• Experience supporting multiple stakeholders, including government, industry and practitioners.
• Demonstrated effective time management skills.
• Ability to prepare and disseminate comprehensive reports and briefs and monitor budgets.
• Ability to develop and deliver engagement, outreach and communications including updating project website.
• Experience working with Australian native plants, planning and conducting surveys and field trials.
• Experience with data and sample collection and management.
• Full Australian driver’s licence.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Paul Rymer, Associate Professor in Plant Ecological Genetics via [email protected]. Please include the job reference code REF1595Z.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Thursday 27 August 2026. 
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact [email protected].

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.