"Technical Officer (Horticulture and Herbarium)"

Support high-impact plant research and specialist facilities

Work hands-on with herbarium collections and laboratories

Join a purpose-driven university with strong community links

Be Bold. Belong. Be More.At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Join the Research Infrastructure and Operations team (RIOT) and play a vital role in supporting Southern Cross University’s plant research infrastructure and the University Herbarium. This is a hands-on technical role where your work directly enables high-performing research and strengthens connections with researchers, students, volunteers and the broader community.You will make an impact by:

Supporting plant research, including coordinating facility usage, maintaining equipment, managing consumables and providing practical assistance to researchers and students.

Maintaining the University Herbarium, including the collection, database and image catalogue, and facilitating access for volunteers, students and visiting scholars.

Delivering technical expertise and training, including developing procedures, providing inductions, supervising safe use of equipment, and ensuring all work aligns with laboratory standards and WHS requirements.

Contributing to safe, efficient operations, undertaking inspections, audits, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and continuously improving processes across facilities and services.

What you will bringYou are a practical, organised and solutions-focused technical professional who enjoys hands-on work and takes pride in supporting research excellence. You are comfortable working independently, managing competing priorities, and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.To succeed in this role, you will bring:

A tertiary qualification in the field of botany, agricultural science or a related field, with relevant experience in a technical or research environment (or equivalent industry experience)

Experience maintaining and troubleshooting technical systems, equipment or scientific instrumentation with strong digital capability, including working with databases, image processing and software systems

Practical knowledge of WHS principles in scientific environments

Willingness to undertake and successfully complete a National Police (criminal history) check and Working with Children Check.

Experience working with biological or botanical collections (such as in a herbarium, museum or research setting) would be highly regarded..

Why Southern Cross UniversitySCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.Your opportunity is:

Full-time, continuing (permanent)

Located at Lismore, NSW 2480.

HEW Level 4. The base salary ranges from $75,500 - $81,079 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $94,862.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Be more with Southern Cross University todaySouthern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.Name: Iain Alexander, Technical Manager (Research Infrastructure and Operation Team)Phone: 02 6620 3496Email: iain.alexander@scu.edu.au

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 23 February 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.  _Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to_ jobs@scu.edu.au.

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