The Science Grade and Value Range Descriptors are to be read in conjunction with the VPS Grade and Value Range Descriptors with which they align. The Science Descriptors set out work value statements to detail the work value characteristics of the science profession that are not captured in the VPS general descriptors. The first reference for job classification is the Science Grade and Value Range descriptors. Descriptors are not job descriptions, performance standards, and progression or selection crit eria. Descriptors are considered on the basis of best fit to classify a job with regard to its work value. Some descriptors may apply and some descriptors may not apply for any given job. Job classification is based on a “whole of job” considerat ion, following comparison with the Grade and Value Range Descriptors.
Science A Local title to be inserted Grade Description
Science A VR1 is generally, an entry level for science graduates and the focus is on applying broad theoretical knowledge. The working environment is well defined and scientific work is conducted under general supervision.
Within VR2 &3, the working environment provides broad guidelines and procedures in which the person is expected to develop specialist skills whilst confidently adapting and applying knowledge to their work.
Science B Local title to be inserted Grade Description
Independent performance of professional work at an advanced level. Judgement and innovation are demonstrated at a level consistent with being an established professional.
Science Category Definition Value Range 1 VPS Grade 2 VR2
Value Range 2 VPS Grade 3 VR1
Value Range 3 VPS Grade 3 VR2
VPS Grade 4
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
Science
The position requires a science* based qualification** and the focus of the job is the creation, development and/or application of scientific knowledge.
The context of a role will vary but may include:
applied research for the resolution of specific problems;
strategic (basic) research which contributes to the development of new knowledge;
undertaking scientific research using computer based analytical tools;
testing, analysing and reporting;
undertaking investigations;
advising and informing stakeholders on scientific matters;
compliance related activities;
risk assessment and management;
development of science-based policy;
assisting clients in the adopting of new on-ground practices, including extension work which is defined as on-going dialogue with clients dealing with science concepts.
*Includes a Degree for new staff and a relevant Diploma for existing staff as at the operative date.
** Defined as physical and life sciences, or directly related fields by agreement.
The Science adaptive structure excludes Graduate Recruitment programs and professionals in other occupational categories where a science qualification is optional.
Participates as a team member on science projects
Communicates effectively with team members.
Developing more detailed practical knowledge within a specific scientific discipline
May be required to partially modify procedures
Assists in scoping projects and reviewing literature
Under supervision, develops schedules of scientific, extension, enforcement and technical activities required in a project May contribute data to publications – where not precluded by contractual obligations.
Presents work at informal seminars
Communicates (orally and in writing) research and scientific findings (appropriate communication media are determined by the nature of the science role – e.g. written work might encompass newspaper articles or advisory work, or contributing a paper for a scientific journal)
Co-author, or independently author, journal articles within the field of expertise, professional param eters and responsibility
Presents posters (or similar) at seminars/conferences within the area of expertise Where appropriate, prepares sub-project submissions for funding
May supervise a small project team
May regularly interact with a range of external or internal clients to provide advice or specialist information.
Investigates, accurately analyses needs and priorities and disseminates scientific information using appropriate knowledge transfer techniques, including addressing farmers, community groups and school students.
Applies understanding of professional ethics and the scientific method in the development, conduct and interpretation of work
Developing independent scientific professional judgement and skill within own area of expertise
Has responsibility for delivering and reporting on quality research, extension or enforcement outputs
Adapts knowledge to novel situations Develops and maintains collaborative research projects with relevant organisations
Is becoming a recognised specialist within a specific, but limited, subject area.
May control a laboratory function or field operation where a variety of related scientific functions are performed When planning and evaluating science projects, gives consideration to government policy direction, market segmentation, community expectations and other relevant parameters Continuing to establish a publication record where appropriate to the role and organisational requirements
Gives oral presentations on more complex matters at seminars/conference
Is a recognised specialist within a specific scientific discipline
Exercises considerable amount of independent scientific professional judgement and skill.
Has an established record of publication, including journal articles, conference papers and reports
May be asked to referee external scientific papers
Prepares and delivers addresses and lectures to stakeholder bodies, university students and peer professionals
May prepare/present scientific evidence for use in prosecutions
May manage laboratories, project teams or field operatives
Formulates and supervises experimental and professional development programs for less experienced colleagues
Provides coaching and mentoring to junior colleagues and students in developing skills in experiments planning and ethical standards
May supervise Honours/Masters students or co-supervise PhD students
Project methods and experimental design requires innovative approach
Develops consultation and communication processes with collaborators, customers and the community
Note. The work of some scientists relates to commercially contracted work and there may be restrictions as to how and where publication can occur. All references to publication in this document are qualified in this manner.
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS
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Science C Local title to be inserted Grade description
May be:
A high-level specialist/researcher; or
A manager of a scientific organisational unit (usually multi-disciplinary) or scientific manager of large projects; and
Accepted by peers, stakeholders and managers as an authoritative specialist.
Science D Local title to be inserted Grade description
There is a need to resolve major conceptual scientific, technical, commercial or management problems that have significant impact on the scientific field or the organisational unit. Is likely to set new directions for the subject or program area, based on community, national and/or international trends. May operate as one of the agency or State’s leading experts in their field.
VPS Grade 5 VR 1 VPS Grade 5 VR 2 VPS Grade 6 VR1 VPS Grade 6 VR2
Has an in-depth knowledge within a specialised area of science, although is not necessarily the most senior authoritative adviser
Is developing a national reputation amongst peers in the same field of science.
Independently performs scientific work at an advanced level.
Provides high level professional leadership
Actively mentors less experienced staff and peers within the area of expertise Leads the development of new areas of work
Makes original contribution to scientific knowledge
May have own review articles published May be invited to speak at national conferences
May identify sources of funding and funding opportunities from external parties and leads efforts to secure funding Negotiates and collaborates with stakeholders to advance organisational aims.
Provides expert evidence in legal matters
Modifies and applies scientific precedents and concepts to new situations that may have a resultant impact in other areas and /or results in a substantial scientific redirection
Critically analyses and synthesises scientific data, resulting in knowledge generation and
recommendations for changed approaches that impact beyond the immediate work area. Makes a continuing impact within their field of expertise through the discovery and communication of new knowledge
May be invited to publish review articles on scientific knowledge
Influences stakeholders (internal and external).
Integrates scientific concepts across disciplines May be involved in the commercialisation processes to the extent of specialist expertise;
identification of intellectual property; providing advice on implications and potential use;
promoting potential applications and benefits to commercial partners
Ensures project deliverables are aligned with program outcomes and government policy
Provides definitive written and oral advice on complex and challenging scientific matters
May be a member of the editorial advisory board of international or national scientific journals
May be invited to international conferences as expert speaker Identifies emerging technical and economic issues.
Critically analyses and synthesises scientific data, resulting in recommendations that have broad implications
Plans, initiates and implements research, extension or policy responses in anticipation of significant scientific, social economic, policy or environmental changes
Leads research into complex, sensitive or contentious scientific matters
Line manages a substantial scientific and/or technical multi-disciplinary organisational unit; or is a knowledge leader or expert within that scientific discipline
May supervise or examine PhD students
Initiates negotiation with relevant stakeholders on complex, sensitive or contentious scientific matters
Develops scientific solutions/techniques or strategies that have significant implications for the discipline
Participates at a senior level in state, national or international working parties and committees
Influences policy development through the targeted communication of complex scientific information
Is acknowledged by peers as a national or international scientific leader within the particular scientific discipline
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTORS