Job Description

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Role highlights

• Provide hands‑on support for glasshouse and potting shed operations
• Maintain safe, efficient and well‑organised facilities
• Work closely with technical and research staff

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

The Technical Assistant provides practical, hands-on support for potting shed and glasshouse operations within the Biological Services team. The role undertakes a range of routine technical and operational tasks in accordance with established procedures and under close guidance.

The position supports research activities by preparing materials, transporting supplies, maintaining work areas, and assisting with basic glasshouse and grounds activities. Tasks are generally straightforward, with some variation, and work progress is subject to regular supervision and checking.

The role works collaboratively with technical and research staff, responds to service requests in a courteous and timely manner, and contributes to the safe and efficient operation of facilities.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Prepare soil mixes, growth media, pots, and related materials for use in glasshouse and research activities in accordance with instructions and established procedures.
• Assist with routine maintenance and cleaning of the potting shed, glasshouses, and surrounding work areas to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
• Undertake basic pest control activities under guidance, including identifying common glasshouse pests and applying approved treatments.
• Transport soil, pots, plants, and equipment to designated locations within laboratories and glasshouses.
• Operate light agricultural equipment and tools (such as trolleys, tractors, or ATVs) where trained and authorised.
• Monitor supplies and consumables, replenish stock as required, and report shortages or issues to supervising staff.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental requirements, including correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe manual handling practices.
• Communicate courteously and effectively with team members, keeping relevant staff informed of task progress or issues.
• Work collaboratively with technical and research staff to support daily operational requirements.
• Perform other routine duties consistent with the level of the position as directed.

Role particulars

Location: Canberra, ACT

Salary: AU$61k - AU$73k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 102711

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in practical, hands-on work such as horticulture, grounds, glasshouse, facilities, laboratory support, or similar operational environments, or the ability to quickly learn these tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and to complete routine tasks independently when required, in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
• Ability to communicate clearly, politely, and respectfully with colleagues and researchers, including responding to requests and emails and participating in day-to-day work discussions.
• Awareness of workplace health, safety, and environmental requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling practices, and chemical safety, and a demonstrated willingness to follow established procedures.
• Basic computer skills sufficient to read and respond to emails and to enter routine information into spreadsheets (e.g. basic data entry in Microsoft Excel).
• Ability to undertake the manual tasks inherent to the role, including handling soil, pots, and equipment, working on feet for extended periods, and performing duties indoors and outdoors, with or without reasonable adjustments.
• A current Australian C class driver licence, as the role involves driving vehicles on site, including areas designated as public road.
• Willingness to undertake and maintain required training and authorisations relevant to the role, including ChemAlert accreditation for pest control activities.

Desirable

• A qualification in the horticulture, agriculture or a related field experience.
• Experience working in a glasshouse, horticultural, agricultural, or research support environment.
• Experience handling soil, plants, or assisting with basic pest control activities under instruction.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact us via careers.online@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

CSIRO offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the selection criteria of this role.

Applications close

6 April 2026, 11:00pm AEDT