POSITION ADVERTISEMENT

MODELING/SOFTWARE SUPPORT (2 Year position)

CSIRO LAND AND WATER

DAVIES LABORATORY, TOWNSVILLE, QUEENSLAND

LEVEL CSOF3: $31k - $39k + Superannuation and Allowances

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to provide
modeling/software
support to the CSIRO Land and Water group currently carrying out
research
on sustainable land and water management in the tropics. Key aims of the
current research are to quantify the impacts of land use on the movement
of
soil, water and nutrients through and over soils, to conduct catchment
scale
risk assessment of soil erosion, acidification, salinisation, leaching
and
groundwater pollution, to develop improved trickle irrigation systems,
and to
develop sustainable sugar production systems in the wet tropics. The
appointee will be expected to contribute to the research effort by
testing,
applying, and where necessary, developing, a range of models and
associated
software tools that will facilitate various aspects of the ongoing
research.
Applicants are expected to have a BSc in Computing Science (software
specialty) or BSc in the Mathematical/Physical Sciences with a Graduate
Diploma in Computer Science (software specialty) or equivalent
qualifications. The work will require development of expertise in soil
water
and nutrient balances and will most likely involve some field work and
interstate travel. Appointment will be for an initial period of 2 years.

Further information regarding this position can be obtained from Dr
Keith L.
Bristow (Phone:. 077-538596; email: Keith.Bris...@tvl.clw.csiro.au). A
copy of the duty statement and selection criteria may be obtained from
Mrs
Margaret Allan (Phone:. 077-538512; Fax 077-538600). Applications, which
MUST ADDRESS the selection criteria, should be sent to Mrs Margaret
Allan, CSIRO Davies Laboratory, PMB Aitkenvale, Townsville, QLD 4814
by the 1 August 1997.

DUTY STATEMENT

The key tasks to be undertaken by the appointee will focus on

  Modeling support to facilitate testing and application of simulation
models, including

1. development of expertise in the use of the SWIM and APSIM
models

2. checking, collating, and preparation of required input data for
various models

3. simulation analyses - including sensitivity and scenario analysis

4. data processing and graphical presentation of simulated and
measured data

5. assistance with field work as required

6. provision of training and user support (including error checking
and troubleshooting) for various models/software packages
developed and/or used by the group (eg SWIM, APSIM,
HYDRUS-2D)

7. provision of administrative support for models/software
packages such as SWIM which are marketed commercially by
the group

  Programming support to upgrade existing models and to develop new
software, including

1. maintenance and upgrading of SWIM and other code

2. development of user interfaces to facilitate adoption and use of
models by project staff

3. programming as required. This will include development of new
models and other tasks such as programming instrument and
data acquisition interfaces etc

4. coupling and upgrading of models to deal with more
complicated systems (eg spatially variable systems, 2-D trickle
irrigation

SELECTION CRITERIA

PRE-REQUISITES:

1. BSc in Computing Science (software specialty) or BSc in the
Mathematical/Physical Sciences with a Graduate Diploma in Computer
Science (software specialty) or equivalent qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

1.  Demonstrated expertise in using IBM personal computer systems
running
under Windows 95

2.  Skills in modern computing/software techniques, including object
oriented programming, graphical interfaces and presentation

3.  Ability to program in Fortran

4.  Expertise in the MicroSoft Office range of software including EXCEL,
ACCESS, WORD

5.  Ability to work independently and as part of a research team

6.  An understanding of equal employment opportunity and OH&S in the
workplace

DESIRABLE:

1.  Strong background (experience) in the physical and/or mathematical
sciences

2.  Experience with GIS

3.  Experience with C++, DELPHI, VISUAL BASIC etc

4.  Willingness and ability to communicate effectively with scientists
and
others who are using models