Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child Safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The Opportunity

The SKA Observatory is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond.

In Australia, the SKA Observatory is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the low frequency telescope (SKA-Low) in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country.

The Traditional Owners and native title holders, the Wajarri Yamaji, have gifted CSIRO with the traditional name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara for the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, home to the SKA-Low telescope. The traditional name means ‘sharing sky and stars’ in the Wajarri language.

As a Senior Field Technician, your role in the SKA-Low team will initially be focused on constructing, assembling, and basic integration of the world's largest low-frequency radio telescope. As a senior member of the team you will aid in creating efficient and improved processes and procedures during construction and into operations. Additionally, this role will play a key part in recruiting the first team of technicians, and in overseeing their work during construction and maintenance. This role requires leadership, knowledge of RF systems, commitment to safety, and process improvement skills.  

Your duties will include:

• Recruit, manage, and develop an inclusive and diverse team of technicians, fostering a safety-conscious and continuous learning environment. 
• Assemble and deploy components of the SKA-Low telescope, with emphasis on the RF systems. 
• Carry out level 2 integration to ensure the seamless functioning of the telescope. 
• Carry out regular check-ups, maintenance, and repairs on telescope systems once operational, diagnosing and fixing RF system issues. 
• Supervise and work with contractors during the construction and maintenance phases, ensuring adherence to the highest standards. 

Location: Geraldton, Western Australia
Salary:  AU$105,806 - AU$114,500 plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:  Indefinite – Full-Time, Part-Time or Job-Share
Reference: 93576

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria. 

To be considered you will need:

 Essential

• A Cert IV in Electrotechnology or equivalent experience in RF systems maintenance. 
• Proven experience in diagnosing and resolving problems on RF systems independently and systematically. 
• Experience in maintenance and support in a complex systems environment. 
• Ability to interpret system drawings, RF engineering drawings, and third-party operating and maintenance manuals accurately. 
• Proven experience in leading diverse teams, preferably in remote environments for management of large-scale or complex equipment. This includes overseeing team development, handling personnel issues, and adapting to unique challenges associated with remote settings. 
• Commitment to safe work practices, environmental sustainability, equity, and diversity.

Desirable

• Experience in using test and measurement instruments and their control software. 
• Experience with fibre optic systems, including cable management, splicing, and testing. 
• Certificate in training and assessing. 
• Experience working in a  remote environments.  

For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with this role being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs, whether we are undertaking research, engaging with the public or nurturing future scientists in person or online. Source – CSIRO Child Safe policy 2023

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please apply on-line providing your CV, and a Cover Letter clearly addressing the essential criteria of this role and your motivation for applying. Under CSIRO policy, only those who are able to demonstrate how they can meet the essential criteria may be appointed

Applications Close

This role will remain open until filled. CSIRO reserve the right to begin shortlisting and interviews at any point within the advertising period. CSIRO also reserve the right to close the advert at any time