Operations Manager - Physics & Observatories

University of Tasmania; Hobart; On-site; AUD 114,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 Weeks paid parental leave

17% Superannuation contribution

Health and fitness membership options

Accommodation and Car Hire discounts

Health Insurance and Banking

Novated Leasing

Relocation Support

Job summary

The University of Tasmania is seeking an Operations Manager, Physics & Observatories, to lead a team of technical staff across campus and remote observatory sites in Tasmania and interstate.

You will oversee safe, reliable operation of observatory facilities, drive continuous improvement, manage risk, and coordinate with researchers, contractors and stakeholders to support astrophysics, geodesy and space science programs.

Qualifications

• Experience leading facilities or technical operations in a complex environment.
• Experience applying WHS, risk management and compliance.
• Experience with contractors and maintenance programs in regulated settings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of observatory facilities to ensure safety and reliability.
• Develop and review safe systems of work and risk assessments.
• Coordinate with contractors and service providers for safe maintenance.
• Plan facilities management and continuous improvement across sites.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to support research and teaching.
• Contribute to sustainability and future development of observatories.

Skills

Team leadership

WHS & risk management

Contractor management

Facilities management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Driver's licence & travel

Job description

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Lead a team of technical staff for the safe, reliable and sustainable operation of world-class observatory and research infrastructure.
• Work across diverse environments, from campus-based facilities to remote observatory sites across Tasmania and interstate.
• Full time, Two Year Fixed Term role, Based in Southern Tasmania (Cambridge/Sandy Bay)

About The Opportunity

We are seeking an Operations Manager, Physics & Observatories to support the safe, effective and sustainable operation of the University of Tasmania's internationally recognised observatory facilities.

These observatories enable world-leading research in astrophysics, geodesy, space science and telecommunications, while contributing to national and international scientific collaborations.

Working with a team of technical professionals, researchers and external partners, you will oversee the operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of a diverse network of observatory and research infrastructure across multiple sites. You will contribute to work health and safety, asset and facilities operational and strategic management, risk management, contractor oversight and operational planning, helping to ensure our facilities remain safe, compliant, reliable and fit for purpose.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a unique network of observatory facilities and research infrastructure, including travel to sites across Tasmania and interstate that contribute to Australia's astronomy, space science and advanced communications capability.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the University's observatory facilities, ensuring infrastructure, assets and technical systems are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
• Support a positive safety culture through the development, implementation and review of safe systems of work, risk assessments and operational procedures.
• Partner with contractors, service providers and suppliers to ensure maintenance and operational activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with relevant requirements.
• Coordinate operational planning, facilities management and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple observatory locations.
• Collaborate with technical staff, researchers and stakeholders to support research, teaching and industry engagement activities.
• Contribute to the sustainability, capability and future development of nationally significant observatory facilities and research infrastructure.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading teams and managing facilities, infrastructure or technical operations within a research, scientific, educational, industrial, infrastructure or similarly complex operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience applying work health and safety principles, risk management practices and compliance requirements to support safe and effective operations.
• Experience working with contractors, service providers and maintenance programs in a regulated environment.
• Experience in facilities, asset or infrastructure management, including maintenance planning, procurement, lifecycle management or continuous improvement activities.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and competing priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a broad range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A current driver's licence and willingness to travel to observatory and research infrastructure sites, including remote locations.

What’s on Offer

Benefits

As we look toward 2050, we remain committed to fostering excellence, collaboration, and transformative education - preparing graduates to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, and shape its future. While remaining true to our Tasmanian roots, this career defining role will see you significantly contribute to our dedication to making a difference for, and from, Tasmania. In return for your experience, you’ll have access to an array of staff benefits and discounts including:

• 26 Weeks paid parental leave for primary care givers
• 17% Superannuation contribution
• Health and fitness membership options
• Accommodation and Car Hire discounts
• Health Insurance and Banking
• Novated Leasing
• Relocation Support

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 8 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $152,033 comprising base salary within the range of $114,282 to $129,943 plus 17% superannuation.

Applications close Sunday, 18 October 2026, 11.55pm

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.