TERN Surveillance Field Officer
- The University of Adelaide
- Australia, SA
- Jun 23, 2026
Job Description:
- Based in the College of Science at the Waite campus
- Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract
- Salary range $73,961 - $81,067
- Participate in field surveys across Australia, including pre-survey planning and equipment checks
At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.
We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.
Work that matters
TERN is an Australian Government NCRIS-funded environmental monitoring National Research Infrastructure. It collects ecosystem data and samples from around Australia using highly instrumented monitoring sites, field surveys and remote-sensing techniques such as drones and satellites. TERN shares this data to enable Australia’s world-leading research on climate change, biodiversity, water and soil.
Over the past 10 years, TERN’s Ecosystem Surveillance platform has been collecting soil and vegetation data and samples from over 750 monitoring plots across the Australian continent using the AusPlots Rangelands Survey Protocols. Through its surveillance monitoring program, TERN aims to ensure every terrestrial ecosystem in Australia is represented in the sample and data libraries, so that environmental change across all systems can be monitored
Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description to discover more about this opportunity.
The team
Collaborative, safety-conscious, and operationally focused, the team is dedicated to delivering reliable environmental data that supports biodiversity monitoring and research outcomes, whilst maintaining a collegiate and friendly environment.
Based at the Waite campus, the work will see you travel with the team to complete field work. Sound like you?
Visit https://www.tern.org.au/to learn more
Our people
Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.
The role will be perfect for someone who enjoys working in a hands-on, field-based environment and is motivated by contributing to meaningful environmental and biodiversity research. It will suit someone who is comfortable working outdoors as part of a diverse team and sometimes remote locations across Australia.
Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.
Experience
To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated knowledge of vegetation sampling methodologies and specimen preparation techniques, including field classification and species identification
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience undertaking remote area operations, including effective communications, navigation, and management of health, safety, and wellbeing
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience using MS Office (Excel, Access, Word, Outlook) and collecting field data digitally
- Proven ability to work in a team environment and willingness to help others achieve program objectives
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, seek understanding, and ask questions to clarify meaning
- Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles in various terrains, including basic maintenance, or willingness to undertake relevant training
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Launch your future with Adelaide University now
Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:
- your current CV
- a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role
The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.
Submit your application by 11:30pm Monday 13 July 2026
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information about this opportunity, please contact:
Emma Kelvin, Talent Attraction Adviser
+61 8 8302 0482 | [email protected]
Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.
#LI-DNI
The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and...
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Job Description:
- Based in the College of Science at the Waite campus
- Full-time, 12 month fixed term contract
- Salary range $73,961 - $81,067
- Participate in field surveys across Australia, including pre-survey planning and equipment checks
At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive.
We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.
Work that matters
TERN is an Australian Government NCRIS-funded environmental monitoring National Research Infrastructure. It collects ecosystem data and samples from around Australia using highly instrumented monitoring sites, field surveys and remote-sensing techniques such as drones and satellites. TERN shares this data to enable Australia’s world-leading research on climate change, biodiversity, water and soil.
Over the past 10 years, TERN’s Ecosystem Surveillance platform has been collecting soil and vegetation data and samples from over 750 monitoring plots across the Australian continent using the AusPlots Rangelands Survey Protocols. Through its surveillance monitoring program, TERN aims to ensure every terrestrial ecosystem in Australia is represented in the sample and data libraries, so that environmental change across all systems can be monitored
Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description to discover more about this opportunity.
The team
Collaborative, safety-conscious, and operationally focused, the team is dedicated to delivering reliable environmental data that supports biodiversity monitoring and research outcomes, whilst maintaining a collegiate and friendly environment.
Based at the Waite campus, the work will see you travel with the team to complete field work. Sound like you?
Visit https://www.tern.org.au/to learn more
Our people
Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.
The role will be perfect for someone who enjoys working in a hands-on, field-based environment and is motivated by contributing to meaningful environmental and biodiversity research. It will suit someone who is comfortable working outdoors as part of a diverse team and sometimes remote locations across Australia.
Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.
Experience
To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated knowledge of vegetation sampling methodologies and specimen preparation techniques, including field classification and species identification
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience undertaking remote area operations, including effective communications, navigation, and management of health, safety, and wellbeing
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience using MS Office (Excel, Access, Word, Outlook) and collecting field data digitally
- Proven ability to work in a team environment and willingness to help others achieve program objectives
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, seek understanding, and ask questions to clarify meaning
- Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles in various terrains, including basic maintenance, or willingness to undertake relevant training
Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Launch your future with Adelaide University now
Applying is simple. Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload:
- your current CV
- a cover letter that tells us why you’re excited about the role
The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.
Submit your application by 11:30pm Monday 13 July 2026
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information about this opportunity, please contact:
Emma Kelvin, Talent Attraction Adviser
+61 8 8302 0482 | [email protected]
Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.
#LI-DNI
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