Full-time, fixed-term position for up to 8 months
Base salary will be in the range $93,491.78 - $100,296.98 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
Based at our Heron Island Research Station - Take a virtual tour!
As a Research Station Operations Senior Officer you will play an important hands-on role in supporting the daily operations of UQ’s research stations and their critical infrastructure. Working as part of a dedicated and collaborative team, you will help ensure our stations run safely, smoothly, and effectively to enable world-class research and teaching.
Your day-to-day work may include coordinating and delivering:
Scientific services,
Boating services,
Diving services,
Administration services, and
Incidental activities.
This position is primarily based at the Heron Island Research Station, reporting to the Research Station Operations Manager (Heron Island). From time to time, you may also have the opportunity to support other UQ research stations and facilities as operational needs arise. A specific roster will be agreed at the contract stage in consultation with the Senior Manager to ensure operational compatibility
If you are seeking a unique role in a remarkable location — one that directly supports impactful marine and environmental research — we would love to hear from you.
Key responsibilities will include:
Scientific Services
Use and maintain scientific equipment for laboratories, aquaria, and teaching areas, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, research and teaching specimens, and waste.
Provide advice to clients in the use of laboratories, aquaria, and teaching areas available at Heron Island Research Station during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.
Boating Services
Use and maintain domestic commercial vessels and associated equipment, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, perishables, and waste, consistent with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements of a Vessel Master.
Provide advice to clients in the use of domestic commercial vessels around Heron Island during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.
Diving Services
Use and maintain equipment suitable for the undertaking of diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2299 series, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, perishables, and waste.
Provide advice to clients in the undertaking of occupational diving, freediving, and snorkelling around Heron Island during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.
Administration Services
Use and maintain provided systems for the booking, purchase, and reconciliation of goods and services available to clients through UQ’s research stations and associated infrastructure.
Provide advice to clients in the provision of on-site accommodation, transfers to site, and terms and conditions of station booking and use.
Incidental Activities
Ensure appropriate and adequate compliance with Workplace Health and Safety and related legislation, including performing client site and activity induction processes and monitoring compliance with approved risk assessments.
To view the Position Description in full, please email talent@uq.edu.au
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
Undergraduate qualification in marine science, conservation science, business, law, or related disciplines with relevant experience, OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education, and training.
Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied scientific principles, including in relation to health and safety, animal ethics, and environmental compliance.
Current holder of (or ready ability to attain and maintain) the necessary qualifications and experience for formal recognition in:
Diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2299 series.
Domestic commercial vessel operations in accordance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements.
Skills training operations to Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent.
Operation of plant and heavy machinery.
Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied business principles, including procurement, service product development, and customer service.
High level computer literacy skills including the ability to use, or learn to use, software applications associated with analytical instruments and business operations.
Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and sustain strategic relationships, to work collaboratively and undertake effective consultations with client groups.
Desirable
Experience working within remote and/or coastal environments.
Knowledge and experience of the University’s policies, procedures, and systems.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, first aid and/or CPR certification and blue card check.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ted Simmonds, Senior Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities via edward.simmonds@uq.edu.au
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close 11 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59392). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-January.