Applied Research Project Coordinator - Drought Resilient Landscapes

Organization icon

Western Sydney University

Location icon

Richmond, Australia

Apply now

Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.


About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.


For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie


  • Part-Time (28 hours per week) Fixed-Term Position for 5 Years
  • Based at Western’s Hawkesbury Campus
  • $90,675 to $97,190 p.a. (pro-rata rates) Inclusive of Superannuation and Leave Loading
  • Join a nationally significant project shaping Australia’s climate resilience, where you’ll contribute to ecological restoration and cultural landscape connectivity across regional NSW.


The Opportunity

Western Sydney University is leading a major initiative to combat drought vulnerability and ecosystem collapse in regional NSW. With over $5.9 million in funding and strong co-investment from university, government agencies, Landcare groups and Aboriginal organisations, the project will deliver climate-ready seed resources, drought-tolerant ground cover, enhanced biodiversity and soil carbon, and restored landscape connections that support ecological, social and cultural values.


This whole-of-system approach will be delivered across three regional nodes of southern, central and northern NSW, by a 16-member team which includes Charles Sturt University, University of New England, NSW Government departments, Landcare and First Nations organisations and regional farmers. The program aims to transform the capacity of regional communities to cope with future droughts.


We are seeking a dynamic Applied Research Project Coordinator (ARPC) to drive the research coordination and field implementation of this high-impact program. You will work closely with investigators and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project milestones.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Research Coordination: Supporting lead investigators, managing program funds and budgets, and organising steering and working group meetings.
  • Fieldwork & Data Management: Identifying trial sites and suitable species, coordinating and contributing to field surveys, engaging with local stakeholders, and managing data collection.
  • Reporting: Assisting with milestone tracking, preparing progress reports, and contributing to the dissemination of key findings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Building relationships with farmers, land managers and government partners, and managing project communications including newsletters, website and social media.


This is a part-time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), fixed-term position for 5 years, based at Western’s Hawkesbury Campus. However, travel to other campuses of the University may be required.


For further information, please refer to the Position Description linked here: Applied Research Project Coordinator – Drought Resilient Landscapes.


Who We’re Looking For

You’re a proactive and organised coordinator with a background in research, environmental science or a related field. You’ll have experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders, including government and industry, and be confident working in both office and field settings.

You will have:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
  • Strong project coordination and time management skills
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement and communications
  • Ability to prepare reports, manage budgets and update project platforms
  • Field experience with Australian native plants, surveys and trials
  • Competence in data and sample collection and management
  • A current Australian driver’s licence


If you’re passionate about ecological restoration and collaborative research, we’d love to hear from you.


Remuneration Package: HEW Level 6 $90,675 to $97,190 p.a. (comprising Salary of $76,622 to $82,127 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)

Please note - the above salary range is 0.8 FTE of the full-time equivalent rate.


Closing Date: 11:59pm, Thursday 27 November 2025


Position Enquiries: Please direct enquires about the role to Associate Professor Paul Rymer via email at P.Rymer@westernsydney.edu.au.


Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.


Working Rights in Australia – Eligibility

You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.


Only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.