Antarctic Project Officer

Antarctic Project Officer

Job no: 503228

Work type: Part time

Location: Hobart

Categories: Administration, Finance, Project Management & Support

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Be part of world-leading Antarctic research shaping our understanding of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
• Provide professional business management services and advice to the program leadership teams
• Part time (0.6 FTE) Fixed-Term position (2 years) located in Hobart, suitably qualified remote based applicants can be considered

About the opportunity

This role supports two nationally significant Antarctic research programs—the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) and the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS). Funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), AAPP focuses on understanding Antarctica’s role in the global climate system and its impact on marine ecosystems. ACEAS is a consortium of seven universities working to assess climate risks in East Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The Antarctic Project Officer position, based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) within UTAS, is funded until 30 June 2028 and sits within a team of professional staff supporting a diverse research environment. UTAS is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity across gender identity, ethnicity, disability, age, and life experience, and encourages applications from all members of the community.

What you’ll do:

• Manage the day-to-day aspects of project budgets and finances, including expense tracking, purchasing, small grant management and providing advice to optimise funds utilisation.
• Support the Business Manager – Antarctic Programs by providing strategic financial advice including forecasting, planning and reporting.
• Apply initiative and innovation to constantly improve management of the projects, providing greater clarity and financial control for project leadership teams.
• Manage the process of new appointments, contract renewals, contract cessations and casual appointments for the projects, including the provision of policy advice and financial and workforce planning, working closely with specialist institutional teams to ensure compliance with institutional and project policies.

What we’re looking for:

• High-level competence in Microsoft Excel, and intermediate skills in word processing and presentation software. Ability to operate institutional financial software and business applications.
• Ability to manage complex budgets, optimise funds utilisation and undertake financial forecasting under the direction of the Business Manager – Antarctic Programs.
• Emerging leadership skills and demonstrated project management skills including human resources administration, bringing a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrated high-level communication skills including highly developed interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and ability to work effectively in an interdependent team.
• Proven ability to achieve results working both autonomously with limited supervision and in a collaborative a team environment.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 6 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $116,872 comprising base salary within the range of $92,120 to $99,891 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

To apply online, please provide the following supporting documentation:

• Resume
• Cover letter outlining your suitability and motivation for the role
• Your responses to the role specific skills, knowledge and experience from the linked Position Description.

For further information about this position, please contact Andrea Ellston, Business Manager - Antarctic Programs Andrea.Ellston@utas.edu.au or 6226 6274

Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.

For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.

Please refer to the linked Position Description for full details.

Applications close Monday, 8 June 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised: 20 May 2026 Tasmania Standard Time

Applications close: 08 Jun 2026 Tasmania Standard Time