• Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term for 12 months (35-hour week)
• Remuneration Level 5: $85,717 - $96,991 + 17% Superannuation 
  (Level 6 remuneration for the right candidate: $100,354 - $107,054 + 17% Superannuation)
• Location: Manly Vale, NSW (the successful candidate will be required to work Full Time on site at Manly Vale)

Why The Role Matters:

The Technical Officer is responsible for the efficient and effective technical support at the Water Research Laboratory (WRL) at Manly Vale related to teaching and research in the Water Engineering discipline within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The position is required to fabricate test rigs and instrumentation as well as assist in all aspects of laboratory and field testing. The Water Research Laboratory at Manly Vale is a world-leading academic research and consulting laboratory that endeavours to tackle the most challenging and pressing water-engineering problems faced by the world today relating to water and the environment. For more information on the WRL please go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/wrl

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

Level 5:

• Provide safe, efficient, and effective day-to-day operation of equipment and services in the Water Research Laboratory, including:
  - Providing technical support for design and manufacture of specialised equipment for academic and research projects.
  - Operate, maintain and repair (where possible) testing equipment and facilities according to given specifications and health and safety requirements.
  - Implementing and maintaining safety systems within the laboratory environment to comply with University and statutory policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Provide training and assistance to staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment.
• Fabricate test rigs from a range of materials according to specifications and health and safety requirements.
• Assist research experiments and provide support for consultancy work.
• Provide assistance in other laboratories in the School under the direction of the WRL Director–Industry Research.
  
  

Level 6 (in addition to the above):

• Develop new techniques for model design and construction.
• Develop new laboratory instrumentation and field measurement techniques.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, evaluating existing equipment, service delivery and training, as well as systems, procedures, and protocols, to identify opportunities for improvement and implement change as approved by the WRL Director-Industry Research.
• Develop and monitor work plans and schedules for laboratory activities, including experiments and equipment servicing, and establish objectives, timing, and resource requirements.
• Apply substantial theoretical and technical knowledge and experience to develop and test systems and procedures.
• Interpret test data using relevant theoretical and technical knowledge for a range of technical experiments and prepare technical reports for use by others.
• Communicate with the School and Faculty HSE Coordinator and staff to ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety requirements within the Laboratory, including:
  • Providing high level advice on WHS issues and ensuring high standards of laboratory work practice amongst all staff and students in compliance with relevant UNSW WHS policies and best practice.
  • Managing WHS activities including risk assessments, implementation of safe work procedures, development and maintenance of relevant WHS records and registers, provision of WHS training and inductions to staff, students and contractors.
  • Leading a focus on the safe management of chemicals in the laboratory.
  • Ensuring hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects and activities that pose a health and safety risk within the area of responsibility.
    
    

Skills and Experience: 

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

Level 5:

• A trade certificate or diploma in machining, construction or similar; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical/industrial engineering or instrumental experience.
• A strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Well-developed communication skills with demonstrated ability to advise clients on the technical aspects of laboratory and research facilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider technical team for the benefit of the School.
• A reasonable level of physical fitness is required regarding the lifting of heavy lab materials and equipment. Lifting aids are provided for the handling of materials/equipment above legal lifting limits.
• A driver’s licence recognised by RMS NSW.
• A willingness to be trained in the use of crane and forklift equipment that operate within the laboratories and attend other training as necessary.
• Competent computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
  
  

Level 6 (in addition to the above):

• Extensive experience in building hydraulic flow models and field test rigs.
• Proven ability to undertake precision workmanship with timber, plastics and metal.
• Demonstrated laboratory or field equipment development and design experience.
• Demonstrated experience in field data collection.
• High level organisation skills with a demonstrated ability to deal with multiple tasks and projects, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to critically analyse designs and test methods and make suggestions for improvements.
• Proven ability to work independently to analyse situations, identify risks and problem solve, whilst also contributing effectively to a team.
• Sound knowledge of relevant testing standards.
  
  

Progression statement:

The incumbent will normally be expected to have reached the top step of level 5 prior to progression to level 6. Criteria for progression to level 6 will be based on satisfactory performance of all duties and accountabilities at level 5 and a demonstrated capacity to take on the duties and accountabilities of the position at level 6, and the availability of and need for the work to be carried out at a higher level in the work unit.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world.

Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness)
  
  

For further details on the benefits, please visit https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au/lifestyle-benefits

How to Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application. Applications close Thursday 20^th March 2025 by 11:30pm.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in the WRL, Manly Vale.

Get in Touch:

Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Francois Flocard at f.flocard@wrl.unsw.edu.au

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud at a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.