"Technical Officer"

Job no: 500087

Work type: Full time

Location: Hobart

Categories: Infrastructure & Property

Technical Officer 

• Support the mechanical, electronic, and IT systems of the UTAS radio observatories
• Deliver high-quality results safely and reliably, for the benefit of society
• Full time, ongoing position based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The University of Tasmania within the School of Natural Sciences (Physics) is seeking to appoint a Technical Officer with experience in mechanical, electrical, and IT systems to support the scientific programmes of the University’s staff, students, and external stakeholders.

The University hosts active research projects in radio astronomy, geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), and space operations, based on a significant base of radio antennas and associated infrastructure across multiple observatory sites. Facilities include 26-m and 30-m dishes, three 12-m dishes comprising the AuScope VLBI array, and other antennas used for astrophysics and communications research and education.

The successful candidate will work primarily at the Mt Pleasant Observatory and on the University campus in Sandy Bay. They will be responsible for the maintenance and safe and reliable operation of the antennas, supporting the scientific mission of the observatory. The Technical Officer will dedicate approximately 50% of their time to the AuScope 12-m antennas, located in Hobart, Yarragadee (WA), and Katherine (NT) and AuScope observer support (Hobart/Sandy Bay).

What you’ll do:

• Improve the reliability and performance of UTAS radio antennas.
• Develop procedures and documentation needed for safe operations in both science and maintenance activities.
• Maintain and improve a range of systems including analog, digital, and radio frequency electronics and microcontrollers.
• Support routine operations by assisting scientific staff and troubleshooting problems as they arise.
• Undertake various administrative tasks including dealing with external contractors and companies, within the relevant UTAS systems.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

What we’re looking for:

• Familiarity with radio observatory operations and signal-processing electronics
• Excellent hands-on technical skills with mechanical and electrical systems
• Experience programming in a Unix/Linux environment and experience with heavy machinery
• A current working at heights certificate, or a commitment to undertake the relevant training as supplied by the project.
• Willingness to work with unusual systems and to learn on the job.

Desirable skills

• Electrician’s ticket
• working at heights
• forklift operations
• Workplace first aid

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $102,190 comprising base salary within the range of $78,210 to $87,342 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 Position Description below
• For further information about this position, please contact Vince Scoleri, Operations Manager, vincent.scoleri@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 2327
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 500087 -Technical Officer.pdf

Applications close Wednesday, 4 September 2024, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian citizenship, permanent residence or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised: 15 Aug 2024 Tasmania Standard Time

Applications close: 04 Sep 2024 Tasmania Standard Time