Uav Lead - Tern | Biological Sciences

(HEO7) $95,017 - $106,270 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

2 Year Fixed Term | Full Time

TERN (Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network) is Australia’s field-based ecological observatory; collecting, recording and sharing data and samples using highly instrumented monitoring sites, surveys and remote-sensing techniques such as drones and satellites. TERN’s model-ready data enables researchers, land managers and policy-makers to detect and interpret changes in ecosystems from continental scale to field sites at more than 1000 representative locations. Since 2012, TERN’s Ecosystem Surveillance group, based at The University of Adelaide, has collected soil and vegetation data and samples according to standardised, widely endorsed and consistent protocols. The TERN Australia Soil and Herbarium Collection houses over 150,000 vegetation and soil samples, which are freely available for researchers to access on request along with the associated contextual data. TERN’s world-class surveillance monitoring infrastructure supports long-term ecological and biodiversity inventory, environmental monitoring and prediction, reporting and assessment, underpinning decisions about our greatest environmental challenges. TERN is enabled by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

The Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) is seeking an experienced UAV Lead to manage a small team to conduct aerial survey’s using UAV’s to produce accurate ground reference data for the calibration of remote sensing data for TERN plots. This is a key role within a close knit team, to develop best practice ecosystem monitoring and assessment methods that are rigorous, safe and cost effective.

The TERN UAV Lead will be leading drone surveys using various platforms and sensors within areas of TERN’s interest. The diverse role will see the UAV lead the data collection, analyses and interpretation of multimodal datasets (spectral, structural, 3D) derived from drone surveys for environmental monitoring.

The position involves interstate and remote travel, including camping in remote locations for extended periods of time for up to two weeks, indicatively six – eight times per year. When travel is not required, this role is based at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus at Urrbrae.

To be successful you will need:

• Demonstrated experience piloting complex remote piloted aircraft systems and remote sensing payloads in complex and remote environments. 
• Demonstrated experience leading remote area operations, incorporating effective communications, navigation, management of health, safety and wellbeing, and the environment. 
• Experience supervising and providing on-ground guidance in UAV techniques. 
• Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles in various terrains, including basic maintenance, or willingness to undertake relevant training.  
• Experience using and adapting / modifying advanced remotely sensed data processing and analysis software and workflows. 
• Experience in the use of relevant computer applications, including Microsoft Office. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, seek understanding and ask questions to clarify meaning. 
• Demonstrated ability to promote the organisational values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery, and a commitment to positively comply with the associated behaviour expectations. 

Qualifications / Licences

• Completion of a degree in a relevant field, or a combination of other levels of training with relevant experience. 
• Remote Pilot’s License. 7kg license essential, 25kg license preferred. 
• Current first aid qualification (Provide First Aid / Advanced First Aid / Remote Area First Aid), or willingness to undertake relevant training. 
• Current C (car) class drivers licence, and experience driving manual vehicles. 

Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate. 

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

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 opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form.

Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 21 April 2024. 

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Caleb Coish
TERN Business and Finance Manager
P: +61 (8) 8313 1142
E: ***********@adelaide.edu.au

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.