Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer, Water Quality Laboratories

The Opportunity

The Water Quality Laboratories (WQL’s) within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering have an opportunity for a Technical Officer/Senior Technical Officer. You will contribute to the output of the school through the development, maintenance, and efficient day-to-day management of teaching and research equipment, infrastructure, and services in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Laboratories, particularly PC1/PC2 classified biochemical laboratories within the Water Quality Laboratories (WQLs) at both Kensington and Manly Vale campuses. Another component of this role will be to identify research and teaching requirements, facilitate the commissioning and maintenance of specialised equipment, and manage user access and training across these two campuses. WHS is of the utmost importance, with this position playing an active role in compliance with WHS requirements, initiating and managing WHS activities, and developing and implementing policies and procedures in collaboration with the HSE Advisor and Laboratory Manager.

This position reports to the Laboratory Manager and has no direct reports.

• Salary, Level 6/7: $96,960 to $115,103 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Fixed term – 2 years
• Location: Predominantly Kensington but also Manly Vale – Sydney, Australia
• On-site role 5 days per week
• Drivers licence desirable

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering is in the Faculty of Engineering that has over 3,300 students and an operating budget of over $22 million. The School has 55 full time academic staff, 35 professional and technical staff and 80 research only appointments. The School’s mission is to develop well-educated graduates with the essential skills, attributes and knowledge that will enable them to practice as professional civil or environmental engineers; and to conduct research and development of international distinction to meet the needs of the discipline, industry and society. For further information about the School, please visit http://www.civeng.unsw.edu.au/

The Water Research Laboratory (WRL) is a world-leading fundamental and applied research organisation tackling the most challenging water engineering problems faced by the world today. For more information on the WRL go to https://www.wrl.unsw.edu.au/about-us

Skills and Experience

Level 6

• A relevant qualification in Biological or Biochemical Science/Engineering Degrees with subsequent practical experience and/or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience.
• Experience working in biochemical areas in the laboratory or research context.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of associated Work Health and Safety Principles and requirements for working in a PC1/PC2 biochemical laboratory environment with experience in supporting cell culture activities (Preferable)
• Proficient computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Attention to detail with the ability to conduct tests, take measurements and maintain records clearly and accurately.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and dangerous goods (HMDG) and their safe management.
• Experience in identifying hazards, developing risk assessments and standard operating procedures for new equipment and implementing hazard controls.
• A strong technical aptitude with the ability to operate, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair a wide range of testing equipment with demonstrated success.
• Demonstrated capacity to document and maintain procedural information and contribute to procedural improvements.
• Demonstrated experience implementing safety systems and initiatives, including training students and/or staff in safe working practices in a complex laboratory environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with a focus on understanding business requirements and being able to translate this into technical concepts and written technical documentation.
• Capability to manage purchasing of chemicals, equipment and other materials in compliance with statutory and University requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and the demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a wider technical team for the benefit of the School.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Level 7 (in addition to the above)

• Extensive experience managing complex laboratory or workshop equipment used in PC1/PC2 certified biochemical laboratories.
• Knowledge and experience in at least one or more of the following areas: Mechatronic Engineering, Process engineering, Environmental engineering, Water engineering, and Wastewater engineering.
• Understanding and/or knowledge of general laboratory good practices, QA/QC criteria and accreditation procedures (NATA accreditation).
• Knowledge and experience in implementing and/or auditing the Laboratory Management System (ISO standards).
• Experience in leading the implementation of the laboratory testing accreditation and/or laboratory management systems in the designated laboratories.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, purchasing and assets or design/implementation of systems for teaching laboratories or research groups or equivalent.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to investigate and make informed decisions regarding complex issues.
• Demonstrated success working effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with a range of people at different levels within an organisation.
• Experience driving a culture of continuous improvement, providing recommendations for new methodologies and solutions to improve laboratory systems and procedures.
• Proven experience developing and implementing safety systems in a laboratory context.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working/Hybrid working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

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.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: [email protected]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Monday 1^st July 2024

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.