Job Description

• Help deliver nationally significant coastal and marine research across WA.
• Get hands-on with marine fieldwork, equipment and research data.
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
• Base salary range: $86,540 – $95,920 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The School of Earth and Oceans undertakes fundamental and applied coastal and marine research at an internationally recognised standard. Ocean-focused staff and research infrastructure are located at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre in Crawley and the Coastal and Offshore Research Laboratory in Shenton Park.

The School delivers field-based research across coastal and offshore environments. This includes the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) Coastal Wave Buoy Facility and the Western Australian node of the National Coastal Observing Facility (NCOF), supported through the Australian Government's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy as part of the CoastRI program. The resulting national observing network helps researchers and end users understand coastal processes and anticipate changes affecting habitats, industries and communities.

About the opportunity

• Prepare, test, organise and maintain oceanographic instruments, marine field equipment, and bathymetric and topographic survey systems for coastal research programs.
• Support the planning and safe delivery of marine fieldwork from small vessels, including boating and diving activities, field logistics and OHS risk assessments.
• Process, quality-control, analyse, archive and present field datasets, and contribute to technical reports, publications, training and equipment inductions.

About you

• A degree in coastal science, marine science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Experience supporting coastal field research or industry projects, ideally involving marine field instrumentation and small-vessel operations.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work, solve practical problems and contribute both independently and as part of a team.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information and contribute to reports.
• Computing capability across spreadsheets and databases, with experience in, or willingness to learn, tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, ArcGIS, Agisoft Metashape or SBG Qinertia. Qualifications in small-vessel operations, scientific diving, UAV/GNSS surveying or forklift operation, or willingness to obtain them, will be highly regarded.

Note: As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to complete declarations in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. A current “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant.

Position description: PD - Technical Officer (524789).pdf

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Mike Cuttler at michael.cuttler@uwa.edu.au

For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Maddy Chaplin at maddy.chaplin@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Wednesday, 25 November 2026.

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

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Generous paid leave including parental leave.
• Up to 17% employer paid superannuation.
• Salary packaging available.
• Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service.
• Up to 25% discount on eligible UWA full-fee courses.
• Discounted health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

About the University

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.

Learn more about us.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.