Station Officer - Science and Education, Orpheus Island Research Station

James Cook University; Townsville City; Hybrid; AUD 88,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution is looking for a Station Officer to provide operational support on Orpheus Island. The role involves facilitating diverse research and teaching activities in a unique environment. Ideal candidates will have a degree in marine science and experience with boating and diving, along with strong communication skills to engage high school students in hands-on learning experiences related to the Great Barrier Reef.

Benefits

Generous superannuation contributions

5 weeks of annual recreation leave

15 days of paid sick leave

Flexible working options

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and educational experience.
• Experiences with classroom science education and outreach programs.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Facilitating research and teaching activities on Orpheus Island.
• Managing operations related to boating, diving, or snorkelling.
• Assisting with administration, housekeeping, and general maintenance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of laboratory equipment

Boating and diving experience

Education

Degree in marine science

Coxswains certification

Divemaster certification

Job description

Overview

We offer the following opportunity to join our world-class research and teaching facility based on Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Provide high-quality operational, technical and teaching support of facilities that enables efficient day-to-day activities of the Orpheus Island Research Station.

• Rotational roster system for full-time staff: 4 weeks onsite and 2 weeks off or 2 weeks onsite and 1 week off
• HEWL 6: $88,391 - $95,736 + 17% superannuation with Uni-super + allowances
• A 2.75% pay rise from Dec 2025

Responsibilities

ABOUT THE ROLE The Station Officer is a unique opportunity like no other. You will live and work on the island on a rostered basis as part of a small but dedicated team. In this varied role, no two days will be the same. You could be facilitating and supporting research and teaching activities; operations of boating, diving or snorkelling activities; or assisting with administration, housekeeping, and general maintenance duties. With a thorough understanding of Work, Health and Safety legislation you will apply this to research, teaching, boating and diving activities and can demonstrate a willingness to work within a small team and a diverse range of clientele in a remote research environment. You have great organisational, problem-solving, and administrative skills. Demonstrated well-developed communication, interpersonal skills and a willingness to maintain highly effective working relationships with a variety of people from high school students to research scientists. Knowledge of and/or experience with laboratory equipment and aquaria is highly desirable, however not essential.

What you can bring to the role

Passionate about inspiring the next generation, you will lead the delivery of science education and outreach programs including our Classroom on the Reef program. With a degree in marine science and an enthusiasm for hands-on teaching, you will facilitate engaging field-based learning experiences for high school students, contribute to supporting research and assist with the safe and effective delivery of educational and scientific activities. Your strong communication skills, educational experience, and passion for the natural world will help create memorable learning opportunities that connect students to the reef and foster a deeper understanding of marine and terrestrial environments. You will also have qualifications and experience in boating and diving supported by Coxswains and Divemaster certifications.

Orpheus Island Research Station (OIRS)

OIRS is a teaching and research facility situated within the Palm Island group on the Great Barrier Reef. Orpheus Island offers abundant opportunities for marine, estuarine, and terrestrial research, including study of fringing and mid-shelf reefs, mangroves, sponges, corals, and related ecosystems.

Why JCU?

JCU offers a culturally diverse working environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Employee wellbeing is at the core of our values, and we support our people through flexible working conditions and other exclusive benefits including:

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• The equivalent of 5 weeks of annual recreation leave
• 15 days of paid sick/personal/carers leave per year
• Flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Corporate discount on health insurance premiums

How to apply

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the steps:

• Complete the application form
• Upload your current resume
• Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success

Ideally you will be able to commence work by December 2025, however this can be flexible for the right candidate.

Applications close on Sunday, 19th October at 11.55pm.