Research Station Operations Senior Officer

The University of Queensland; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 97,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks paid parental leave and 17% +

17% super

17.5% leave loading

Flexible working options

Health and wellbeing programs

Study for Staff program

Salary packaging

Job summary

University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station in Queensland seeks a dynamic operations professional to coordinate scientific and educational activities. You will lead school programs, manage equipment and laboratories, and support researchers during practical learning experiences at the coastal station.

The role offers diverse responsibilities across boating, diving and administrative support, with emphasis on safety, planning and stakeholder collaboration, including weekend duties and

Qualifications

• Undergraduate qualification in marine science, conservation science or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety, animal ethics, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead scientific and educational activities, including school and student programs, laboratory and aquaria activities, equipment set-up, practical learning experiences and support for research activities.
• Work with researchers, students, schools and clients to understand needs, coordinate bookings, facilities, equipment and support for planning and delivery.
• Deliver and contribute across the station’s scientific, boating, diving and administrative services, collaborating with colleagues and stepping into different areas when needed.
• Promote safe, reliable and continuously improving station operations through inductions, risk management, facilities and logistics support, equipment and infrastructure activities, and emergency response.
• This role requires regular weekend work as part of the station’s 7-day operations and may support other UQ research stations and infrastructure.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Risk management

Customer service

Education

Undergraduate qualification in marine science

Tools

MS Office

Instrument software

Job description

Faculty of Science Full-time, permanent position

Base salary will be in the range $97,269 to $104,349 + 17% super (HEW Level 6).

Based at our Moreton Bay Research Station, Minjerribah

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting new opportunity to become a key part of the team at UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station. Working in a unique coastal research and education environment, you’ll help turn plans into experiences, coordinating the people, equipment and facilities that enable researchers, students and school groups to make the most of their time at the station. It’s a genuinely varied role where no two days are the same, and as part of the team responsible for day-to-day operations, you’ll contribute across scientific, boating, diving and administrative services. A real strength of this position is the opportunity to take the lead while also being someone who readily jumps in to support the team. You could be coordinating a science camp or educational program, helping set up laboratories or aquaria for an experiment, facilitating a practical learning experience, or working directly with researchers to understand what they need and help bring an activity together. You’ll have scope to become a trusted go-to person for coordinating activities from planning through to delivery, while drawing on the expertise of colleagues around you. Just as importantly, this is a collaborative team role. You’ll work alongside colleagues to keep the station operating safely and effectively, stepping into different areas when support is needed and contributing to an environment where everyone works together to deliver great outcomes. For someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in making things happen and likes to be both out in front coordinating an activity and alongside the team getting the job done, this is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to practical science, education and operational excellence.

The preferred commencement is as soon as possible or in January 2027, depending on the successful candidate’s availability.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate and lead scientific and educational activities, including school and student programs, laboratory and aquaria activities, equipment set-up, practical learning experiences and support for research activities.
• Work closely with researchers, students, schools and other clients to understand their needs, provide practical advice, and coordinate bookings, facilities, equipment and other support required to successfully plan and deliver activities.
• Deliver and contribute across the station’s scientific, boating, diving and administrative services, working collaboratively with colleagues and stepping into different areas of operation where skills and support are needed.
• Promote safe, reliable and continuously improving station operations through client inductions and risk-management processes, facility and logistics support, equipment and infrastructure activities, and emergency response.
• This role requires regular weekend work as part of the station’s 7 day operations and may occasionally support other UQ research stations and associated infrastructure.

About You

An undergraduate qualification in marine science, conservation science or a related discipline, with relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and training.

Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied scientific principles, including in relation to health and safety, animal ethics, and environmental compliance.

Current holder of (or ready ability to attain and maintain) the necessary qualifications and experience for formal recognition in: Diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2299 series. Domestic commercial vessel operations in accordance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements. Manual class A driver licence.

Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied business principles, including procurement, service product development, and customer service. High level computer literacy skills including the ability to use, or learn to use, software applications associated with analytical instruments and business operations.

Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and sustain strategic relationships, to work collaboratively and undertake effective consultations with client groups. Possession of, or the ability to acquire, a valid Blue Card prior to commencement of duties. Experience working in remote or coastal environments or using UQ policies, systems and procedures will be highly regarded.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

• Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program and salary packaging.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include:

verification of the right to work in Australia

criminal history checks and Blue Card checks.

This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply.

Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close 25 November 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68733). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing December 7 2026.