Technical Officer

• We are seeking a motivated Technical Officer to provide specialised technical support within our dynamic academic environment – with focus on teaching support for the disciplines of Zoology, Marine and other Biological Sciences.
• Level 5, part-time (specified roster) appointment on a permanent/ongoing basis (0.49 FTE annualised).
• Salary range: $76,422 – $84,705 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation.
• Position based at Crawley Campus.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

About the team
As part of College Services, you will join the Technical Services team. College Services provides academic administration and technical support services to the University’s schools, including Heads of School, academic staff and research students. Technical Services provides discipline specific, applied knowledge and skill sets to support UWA’s teaching and research goals in unison with our academic staff.

This team underpins training and learning across the broad Field of Education of “Natural, Agricultural and Social Sciences” and may include disciplines such as animal biology, plant biology, archaeology, geography and the characterisation/analysis of environmental materials, including the curation of associated resources. This team supports teaching both on and off campus which may include fieldwork.

About the opportunity
This role will primarily be providing support to practical teaching aspects in disciplines associated with Zoology, Marine and other Biological Sciences.

You will provide a high level of discipline-specific technical support to academics, technical staff, and students for practical activities under general direction. You will have the opportunity to work closely with animals and specimens for teaching purposes, participate in field trips, and contribute to the enhancement of our educational programs. Flexibility of working hours throughout the year is critical to success in this role, as we look for a person who’s best able to increase work hours to provide technical support during busy teaching periods.

You will be responsible for preparing and setting up materials, equipment, and instruments for teaching, working closely with both technical and academic staff. This involves collaborating with academics to trial and deliver teaching practicals. Additionally, you will demonstrate, develop, and optimise techniques while supervising others in operating specialised equipment. Keeping accurate records of protocols, procedures, and methodologies is crucial, along with training staff and students in established techniques. You'll contribute to equipment maintenance and servicing programs, procure necessary items, and implement safe work systems. Compliance with guidelines and assisting with administration and audits will be part of your role.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant tertiary qualification, substantial technical experience, and proficiency in basic laboratory skills. Experience in working with animals, specimen collections, fieldwork (including ability to drive a manual/4WD vehicles), and excellent communication skills are highly valued. Adaptability, teamwork, and a proactive problem-solving approach are essential attributes for success in this role, which offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to educational programs at UWA.

Peak Periods
This position is 0.4 FTE during off-peak periods (28 weeks per year), and 0.6 FTE during peak periods only (24 weeks per year). Peak periods run from calendar Week 9 to Week 16 and again from Week 28 to Week 43. While specific dates change year to year, in 2024 you can expect to work 0.6 FTE from Monday, 26 February to Friday, 19 April 2024 and again from Monday, 8 July to Friday, 25 October 2024.

About you
You should hold a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent competency, with substantial technical experience. Essential skills include proficiency in basic laboratory techniques such as microscopy, chemical handling, and solution preparation. Experience in working with animals, including demonstrated fieldwork expertise in animal trapping and proficiency in snorkelling, ability to drive manual/4WD is highly valued.

Knowledge of permits and ethics regulations related to animal collections is necessary, alongside excellent communication skills to facilitate practical lab sessions with academics. We prioritise candidates who can collaborate effectively within a team, work independently as needed, and demonstrate a proactive problem-solving approach.

What we offer to you
The position offers competitive compensation, including a 17% superannuation contribution. Additionally, there's a globally competitive, gender-neutral parental leave policy providing up to 36 weeks of paid leave. The workplace emphasises work-life balance and being part of a supportive team. Professional development opportunities are encouraged, and the campus in Matilda Bay offers onsite amenities such as childcare facilities, a gym, aquatic centre, supermarket, medical centre, cultural activities, staff parking, and convenient transport options.

About your application
Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description: Position description - Technical Officer (516926).pdf

The content of your Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet selection criteria (3-page max).

You may also submit an additional statement (1 page max) outlining any personal circumstances which should be considered when assessing your application. Applicants who have experienced periods of academic/professional interruption or other relevant events can include a description of achievements relative to opportunity in this statement.

Closing date: 5:00 PM AWST on Monday, 25 March 2024.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kirsty Brooks on (08) 08 6488 3961 or at kirsty.brooks@uwa.edu.au. 

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for children aged 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.