TERN Ecosystems Processes Officer in Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunities.

Based in the College of Science at the City East campus, this is a full-time, fixed term contract until 31 December 2028 with a salary range of $88,989 - $100,268 per annum (plus 17% superannuation).

As a TERN Ecosystem Processes Officer, you will support vital environmental research through field monitoring, scientific data collection and remote sensor operations. Working across diverse and often remote landscapes, you will help generate the high-quality data that informs research, environmental management and future conservation outcomes.

Join the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), Australia’s ecosystem observatory and a nationally significant research infrastructure supporting environmental science across the country. TERN provides the data, monitoring platforms and research infrastructure that help scientists understand how Australia’s ecosystems are changing over time and respond to environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land management pressures.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, hands-on and adaptable field professional with a passion for environmental research and a strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork. They bring experience supporting field-based scientific projects, maintaining monitoring equipment and collecting high-quality environmental data in diverse and sometimes remote environments.

Remote work will include 1-2 day trips twice per month with teams of postgraduate students, staff and lab groups.

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience supporting environmental monitoring, scientific fieldwork or research activities in field-based environments.
• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific monitoring equipment, including coordinating equipment servicing and maintaining associated procedures and documentation.
• Demonstrated experience collecting, managing and quality checking environmental or research data using relevant digital tools and systems.
• Experience with programming and scripted data analysis, together with a willingness to learn new technical skills that support environmental monitoring activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health, safety and risk management practices, including experience supporting compliance activities within a research, laboratory or field-based environment.
• Proven ability to organise, prioritise and coordinate activities to achieve objectives and meet deadlines in remote or complex operating environments.
• Demonstrated experience communicating professionally and building effective working relationships with academics, students, researchers and external stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking fieldwork in remote or challenging environments.
• Demonstrated experience with soil and vegetation sampling methodologies and specimen preparation techniques.

In addition, some special requirements for the preferred candidate for this role are included below:

• This role may involve travel locally or nationally.
• This role may involve manual handling, working at heights or in confined spaces.
• You must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence.
• You must hold, or be willing to obtain and maintain, a current first aid qualification relevant to remote field operations.

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact quoting reference number 493401. Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.