Technical Officer (Scientific) - Tighes Hill

Tafe Nsw; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 86,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

TAFE NSW is seeking a Technical Officer (Scientific) to support science education across NSW, ensuring labs and equipment run efficiently. You will prepare equipment, manage inventory and help maintain safety and compliance in a hands‑on teaching environment.

The role requires experience with chemical handling and analytical instrumentation, and collaboration with teachers and external suppliers to support student learning. January 2027 commencement is noted.

Qualifications

• Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Chemistry or related discipline.
• Industry background in chemical sciences or chemistry education.
• Strong experience preparing working solutions and safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of analytical instrumentation (AAS, ICP‑OES, LC, UV‑Vis).
• Valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist technical and laboratory support for science education and training.
• Maintain laboratories, equipment and learning resources to high standards.
• Manage consumables and inventory, service and calibration of equipment.
• Assist with setup of practical learning environments and safe laboratory practices.
• Ensure compliance with work health and safety requirements and manage chemical records.

Skills

Chemical handling

Laboratory support

Safety compliance

Communication

Inventory management

Education

Degree/ Diploma in Chemistry

Tools

AAS

ICP‑OES

LC

UV‑Vis spectrophotometry

Job description

Technical Officer (Scientific) - Tighes Hill

$62.14 - $65.29 per hour (Base rate plus Casual Loadings)

At TAFE NSW, we are dedicated to life-changing impact.

That's why we offer world‑class training and education that delivers the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Life‑changing impact starts with an incredible team that sees their career as an opportunity to transform someone's world. Whether that's inspiring students, supporting colleagues, or helping communities and industries thrive, every role at TAFE NSW contributes to meaningful outcomes.

We live by our values of Customer Focus, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence. These values guide how we work, connect with others and deliver on our commitment to students and communities across NSW.

We invest in our people

At TAFE NSW, you will discover a diverse, dynamic, and collaborative environment, where you can innovate, create value, and do meaningful work.

We provide you with tools, ongoing training and professional development, health and wellbeing programs.

About the role

The Technical Officer (Scientific) is responsible for providing specialist technical and laboratory support that enables the effective delivery of science‑based education and training programs across TAFE NSW. Working within the Student Experience Group, you will ensure laboratories, equipment and learning resources are maintained to a high standard and available when needed to support teaching and learning activities.

In this hands‑on role, you will prepare and distribute scientific equipment and resources, maintain laboratory facilities, manage consumables and inventory, support the servicing and calibration of equipment, and assist with the setup of practical learning environments. You will also contribute to maintaining compliance with work health and safety requirements through the management of chemical registers, Safety Data Sheets, equipment records and safe laboratory practices.

Working collaboratively with teachers, students and external suppliers, you will help ensure the smooth operation of scientific teaching environments while delivering excellent customer service and support. The role requires someone who can manage competing priorities, maintain strong attention to detail and consistently contribute to a safe, organised and compliant workplace.

Please note this role is for a January 2027 commencement.

About you

You are an organised and motivated technical professional who enjoys working in practical learning environments and takes pride in delivering high‑quality support services. You have experience working with scientific equipment, laboratory resources or technical facilities and understand the importance of maintaining accuracy, safety and quality in everything you do.

You are highly organised and able to coordinate multiple tasks, manage equipment inventories and maintain accurate records while meeting deadlines. You demonstrate sound problem‑solving skills and take a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues before they impact learning activities.

Your communication skills enable you to build positive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You enjoy collaborating with others, providing technical support and contributing to a positive team culture. Most importantly, you share our commitment to supporting student success and creating safe, engaging and effective learning environments.

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess:

• A Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Chemistry or a relevant Chemical Sciences discipline or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience.
• Industry background in chemical sciences, chemistry education or similar.
• Strong experience preparing working solutions and safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of analytical instrumentation, including elemental analysis (AAS, ICP‑OES) and molecular separation/quantitation (LC, UV‑Vis spectrophotometry).
• A valid Working with Children Check (required prior to commencement).

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

TAFE NSW is committed to building a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Advisor listed below.

Applications close Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT.

Additional Information

General recruitment and adjustment enquiries

Please contact Clinton Debreceny, Talent Acquisition Advisor via email at ***************@tafensw.edu.auor 02 7921 1***.

Role-specific enquiries

Please contact Simon Brayford, Senior Technical Officer (Scientific), via email at ***************@tafensw.edu.au

For support with preparing your application and understanding the recruitment process, visit our Application Process page, and explore the helpful resources available through I Work for NSW.

This is a child‑related position. Successful candidates must hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to commencing. TAFE NSW will also conduct an Australian National Criminal Record Check on the preferred applicant as part of the pre‑employment process.

To be eligible for a position at TAFE NSW, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport.

An Eligibility List, valid for 18 months, may be created for this position and used to fill future vacancies.