At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct weather observations and maintain instruments on a remote island.
- Company: Join the Bureau of Meteorology's dedicated team at Willis Island.
- Benefits: Unique remote work experience, training opportunities, and personal development.
- Other info: Experience a unique lifestyle with a small team and abundant wildlife.
- Why this job: Live on a stunning island while contributing to vital scientific research.
- Qualifications: Technical skills and resilience in isolated environments are essential.
The bureau's National Observing Operations section maintains a year-round staff presence at Willis Island. We are seeking an enthusiastic and suitably qualified person, ideally with previous remote work experience, to undertake a remote posting on Willis Island for approximately 6 months as a part of a team of four. The successful applicant is expected to depart for Willis Island from Cairns in April 2027. We are also seeking applicants interested in applying for the October 2027 deployment.
Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Territory, an external territory of Australia, located beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea. The island is located some 450 kilometres east of Cairns, Queensland. The four bureau staff are the only residents on Willis Island and provisions are resupplied during the staff changeover every six months. Willis Island is home to an abundance of wildlife, particularly birdlife, and is an important Green Turtle nesting site.
The Willis Island TO2 will participate in the program of Service at Willis Island which includes:
- Upper Air Observations
- Surface Observations
- Instrument maintenance
- Data quality monitoring
They will also adhere to the environmental management of Willis Island. The TO2 on Willis Island will participate in scientific research projects undertaken for other organisations at Willis Island such as Parks Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
The Willis Island TO2 is expected to participate in station cleaning and general household duties and actively engage in a local work culture that supports staff to live and work in an isolated environment. They will encourage resilience in other staff and manage relationships with staff and supervisors. As a member of a small team living and working in an isolated environment, applicants will be assessed on technical experience and competencies, as well as personal resilience and adaptability in this unique living and working environment.
This is an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain experience working in a remote location and promote personal development. Where required, the bureau will provide relevant training to successful applicants; this may involve travel to Melbourne or other locations prior to departure to Willis Island. Travel to Willis Island will be by boat and staff will have shared living arrangements during the staff changeover on Willis Island.
Technical Officer Level 2 - Willis Island employer: UM for BOM
UM for BOM offers unique opportunities for remote work in stunning locations such as Willis Island and Giles, providing employees with a chance to engage with nature while contributing to vital climate and weather monitoring efforts. The company fosters a collaborative work environment with small teams, ensuring that staff members can develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the field. With a focus on strategic leadership and multi-agency collaboration, UM for BOM supports professional growth and resilience in its workforce.
