"Operations Officer"

• School of the Environment
• Be part of a team that is making a tangible and positive impact in protecting an iconic natural wonder of the world.
• An opportunity to be involved with the largest catchment water quality monitoring program in Australia
• This is a full-time, fixed-term position till 31 December 2026, with a possibility of an extension.
• Bases salary will be in the range $83,776 - $93,121 + 17 % Superannuation (HEW Level 5)
• Co-located at our vibrant St Lucia Campus and the Eco sciences Precinct, Dutton Park

About This Opportunity

We are seeking a reliable Operations Officer to support the effective and efficient daily operations of the Reef Catchments Science Partnership and Catchment Water Quality Alliance. Reporting to the Reef Catchments Science Partnership Principal Research Leader, this role involves supporting the Reef Catchments Science Partnership team, students and partners. It is a hands-on role that involves some administration, logistics, and technical support, as well as assisting the Director and the Principal Research Leader of the partnership with daily activities.

The Reef Catchments Science Partnership (RCSP) is a collaboration between The University of Queensland and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). Established in July 2021, the RCSP delivers cutting-edge research to support water quality improvement programs, monitoring, and evaluation for the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy.

Our vision is to foster collaboration among scientists, policymakers, catchment management groups, and industry leaders, leading to ground-breaking discoveries, practical solutions, and innovative products. We bridge the divide between academia and government, working with landholders and other key stakeholders to drive meaningful, sustainable change. The RCSP prioritises mentoring postgraduate students and cultivating future leaders who will continue advancing catchment and ecosystem resilience.

This role will also work within the Catchment Water Quality Alliance (CWQA), which is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Water Quality & Investigations team in the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), the University of Queensland’s Reef Catchments Science Partnership, and James Cook University’s TropWATER. United by a shared vision for healthier waterways, the CWQA strengthens partnerships between government and leading research institutions to unlock new possibilities in water quality monitoring and management. By engaging regional stakeholders, traditional owner groups, NGOs, scientists, and communities, the CWQA empowers Queenslanders to better care for ecosystems. The Alliance provides real-world data to inform environmental decision-making, safeguard the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and Southeast Queensland catchments, and train the next generation of environmental scientists.

• Water Quality & Investigations
• Reef Catchments Science Partnership
• TropWATER

Key responsibilities will include:

• Draft routine documents, take meeting minutes, reconcile corporate card transactions and create reports or records,
• Support the RCSP/CWQA team with UQ’s Finance and UQ HR systems, policies and procedures under guidance and direction from the RCSP Director and Principal Research Leader,
• Coordinate logistics involving people, materials, equipment, samples, and other resources,
• Troubleshoot issues with equipment, facilities and operational processes,
• Coordinate teams with RCSP/CQWA and UQ procedures,
• Coordinate space, resources, and equipment to maximise efficiency and operational outcomes,
• Liaise with UQ clients and UQ stakeholders, including property and facilities and contractors regarding work requests for maintenance, facilities and cleaning issues,
• Assist with maintaining high levels of safety and safety compliance, and
• Other duties as reasonably requested by the supervisor.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Operations Officer to support the Reef Catchments Science Partnership team. The successful candidate will have significant experience and expertise in the following Selection Criteria.

• Completion or near completion of a relevant qualification in a relevant field; or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge, experience and education/training.
• Demonstrated commitment to a high standard of customer service, and a willingness and ability to perform a wide range of operational tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to engage effectively, in writing and in person, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and skills in Microsoft Office, MS Teams and MS Project.
• Demonstrable experience in dealing effectively with clients and being organised.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work constructively towards objectives with limited guidance.
• Have a current Australian C-class Driver’s Licence, which is a requirement of the position to assist in regional travel and monitoring requirements.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the University’s policies and procedures relating to Occupational Health and Safety, the Risk Assessment database, and the online Purchasing system and invoice reconciling system.
• Knowledge of UQ’s Finance and HR systems, policies and procedures.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment, and may be required to complete background checks including, criminal history and education checks. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section (2 pages maximum); and
• Resume (maximum 10 pages).

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Ryan Turner at ryan.turner@uq.edu.au

For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Applications close Sunday 22 March 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (Job Reference Number - R-61982). Please note that interviews are tentatively scheduled to commence during the week of 23 March 2026.