Oceanographic Systems Manager

EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379
- Australian Antarctic
- Kingston, TAS - 203 Channel Highway, Kingston
- Be part of the Australian Antarctic Program.
- Use your technical skills to support scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
- Permanent full-time role based in southern Tasmania.

**Who we are**
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:

- maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
- protect the Antarctic environment
- understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
- undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

The Assets and Technology (A&T) Branch provides and maintains the equipment and infrastructure to support the AAP. A&T Branch activities range from the maintenance of existing Antarctic stations and equipment through to the design, manufacture, testing, operation and procurement of advanced scientific equipment and systems. The Branch manages major infrastructure projects in support of AAP outcomes.

The Polar Technology section supports the advancement of Australia’s strategic, scientific, environmental and economic interests in the Antarctic by providing and managing technical support to the Australian Antarctic Science program in areas including data collection, acoustics, computing, instrumentation and electronics.

**The Job**
The Oceanographic Systems Manager reports directly to the Polar Technology Manager who will provide broad guidance on the tasks to be performed. Based at the Head Office of the Australian Antarctic Division in Kingston, the Oceanographic Systems Manager is responsible for a technical team providing specialised services including data collection, acoustics, computing, and instrumentation support and has particular responsibility for supporting specialised oceanographic & acoustic equipment associated with the Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) Marine Science program. The Oceanographic Systems team operates in a dynamic environment that provides many opportunities to work on different projects and tasks concurrently.

Note, the successful applicant must:

- hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers’ licence
- note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
- note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
The Oceanographic Systems Manager will be pro-active, flexible, adaptable and able to work in environments which are sometimes stressful and where priorities change, sometimes in short and/or shifting time frames.
The successful applicant will:

- be a motivated self-learner and starter with excellent leadership and technical skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills
- have the skills and capacity to develop and support quality working relationships with a range of stakeholders to respond to needs, manage expectations and solve problems
- have sound judgement and highly developed problem-solving capabilities as well as good time management skills
- be adaptive, proactive, innovative and resilient.
- have experience in leading technical teams in demanding environments.

**Skills and capabilities**
- Under guidance from the Polar Technology Manager, the Oceanographic Systems Manager is required to Plan and coordinate the activities of a diverse technical team both at Head Office and in the field (including at sea on long-duration marine science campaigns) to provide effective and efficient technical support for scientific and operational programs.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with scientists, engineers and technicians from other research agencies, universities and industries to engage their technical expertise in support of the Australian Antarctic Program.
- Work with the Polar Technology Manager to ensure that clear and realistic work plans and goals are defined and achieved for the Oceanographic Systems team and work collaboratively with other team leaders within the Assets & Technology branch to utilise resources both efficiently and effectively.
- Lead and manage a small team and actively promote a culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement within the workplace (including on vessels at sea and at Antarctic field sites)
- Manage technical infrastructure while implementing and promoting improved associated work practices. This includes asset and hazardous goods management as well as main