Principal Field Officer

Apply now Job no:497908
Work type:Full time
Location:Hobart
Categories:Laboratory & Research Support

Principal Field Officer 

• Full time ongoing position
• Based in Hobart – IMAS Taroona
• Provide day-to-day operational support, teaching support and training to staff and students

IMAS is a centre for both marine research and education. Our basic and applied research is characterised as innovative, relevant, and globally distinctive. Education at IMAS delivers world class programs, resulting in highly trained graduates who serve the needs of academic institutions, industry, government, and the community. Our natural advantages include our Tasmanian location proximal to important fisheries and aquaculture industries and Tasmania hosting one of the world’s largest critical masses of marine and Antarctic researchers.

The Opportunity

As our new Principal Field Officer you will provide high level professional research support and technical leadership on campus, in the field and at sea for IMAS research and teaching programs. You will be responsible for assisting teaching staff with managing undergraduate course-related fieldtrips, conducting boating and (occasional) diving operations for such trips, operating IMAS fleet vessels as required for teaching and research purposes, facilitating project and trip planning using Field Friendly software and assisting IMAS Operations Team members as required.

As the Principal Field Officer, you will facilitate the effective and safe operation of the vessels, vehicles and field equipment at IMAS campuses, providing day-to-day operational support, teaching support and training to staff and students, strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with relevant UTAS and statutory Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice. The position also requires being on standby for the IMAS Emergency Response Team and responding to on site emergencies.

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations, teaching support and support services at IMAS.
• Provide a safe working environment for staff and students
• Assist with managing assets (boats, trailers, vehicles, field and emergency equipment) across all IMAS sites. Including the transportation and/or relocation of assets and gear between IMAS North to IMAS South and vice versa.
• Assist the Operations and Business Manager with strategic planning for facility capability and requirements, asset register, auditing and budgeting.
• On standby as part of the IMAS Emergency Response Team for field operations and vessel activities. Including monitoring or tracking vessels (IMAS fleet and external vessels both nationally and internationally).  This will may include after normal working hours, weekends and holidays.

­Your Application

To be successful in the role, your application will need to demonstrate:

• Completion of a biological science related degree with at least 4 years relevant experience, OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training; with extensive experience with fieldwork, including boating and diving; working in remote areas and cold environments.
• Ability to work well with a range of people under different circumstances, in a professional yet friendly and approachable manner. This includes a proven ability to effectively supervise and manage staff and students to ensure a safe and efficient workplace, experience with teaching people a range of skills, and working with the general public in a customer service type capacity.
• Current boating and diving qualifications (require a Master 5; MED 3; and Recreational Dive Master or Dive Instructor) and the ability to pass commercial medicals and fitness tests. Experience with small boats, towing, and safe use of deck machinery and device deployments at sea. Knowledge of current AMSA requirements and familiar with Tasmanian waterways.
• Strong WHS knowledge and safe work systems management, including strong knowledge of hazards and how to manage them.
• Significant experience in providing risk management support including experience in the development and implementation of risk assessments and safe work procedures (SWP’s) in a changing environment.

Remuneration

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 7 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $119,949 comprising base salary within the range of $93,273 to $102,521 plus 17% superannuation.

COVID-19 Update:

The University of Tasmania recognises that this is critical for the workforce at the University to protect the safety of our workforce and vulnerable Tasmanians.

Applicants for this role must be prepared to provide evidence of Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.

How to Apply

• Please refer to the attached Position Description for full details.
• To apply online, please provide your resume and a 2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities, qualifications and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Kirsten le Mar, IMAS Operations Manager, K.LeMar@utas.edu.au or (03) 6226 8343.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.

 Principal Field Officer – 497908.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 16 October 2022, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised:21 Sep 2022 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close:16 Oct 2022 Tasmania Daylight Time