Research Station Operations Manager

• Faculty of Science / Heron Island Research Station

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position, up to 8 months

• Base salary will be in the range $115, $129, % Superannuation (HEW Level 8)

• Based at our Heron Island Research Station - Take a virtual tour

The Research Station Operations Manager plays a vital role in supporting research that deepens our understanding of the natural world. Responsible for the daily operations and forward planning of one of UQ's remote research stations, this role ensures that facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in support of high-quality research and teaching outcomes.

Based at Heron Island Research Station within the Faculty of Science, you'll oversee staff, site use, and compliance, while contributing to the continuous improvement of policies, systems, and practices that enable innovative and impactful research across UQ's research station network.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Lead and manage staff in the daily operations of UQ's research stations and associated infrastructure.

• Provide ongoing training in fieldwork, scientific services, boating, diving, facility management, and administration.

• Foster a safe, collaborative, and high-performing team environment in a remote location.

• Oversee client use of facilities and equipment, ensuring compliance with risk management frameworks and local procedures.

• Manage inventory and procurement of essential resources, supporting budgets and strategic planning.

• Monitor and report on site, equipment, and process performance.

• Contribute to strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement of procedures.

• Deliver on key performance metrics to ensure effective, sustainable facility use.

• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety, legislation, and University policies.

• Act as a UQ Skills Educator, providing training, assessment, and mentoring aligned with fieldwork and vocational requirements.

• Represent UQ with regulatory bodies and collaborate with teams to maintain safe and functional operations.

• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Senior Manager, Infrastructure & Facilities.

To view the Position Description in full, please email

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave

• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program

• Salary packaging options

• Postgraduate qualification in marine science, conservation, business, law, or a related discipline with extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of applied scientific principles, including health and safety, animal ethics, and environmental compliance.

• Experience applying scientific and engineering principles to provide technical support and services.

• Demonstrated experience implementing regulatory compliance.

• Proven experience in leading and managing teams, including delegation, training, and oversight of staff while ensuring quality outcomes.

• Experience managing a research facility, including budget management.

• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and sustain strategic relationships and work collaboratively with clients.

• High-level computer literacy, with ability to use or quickly learn software for analytical instruments and business operations.

• Current, or ability to attain, necessary qualifications for:

  • Diving operations (AS/NZS 2299 series)

  • Domestic commercial vessel operations (AMSA)

  • Skills training (Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent)

  • Operation of plant and heavy machinery

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, first aid and/or CPR certification, blue card check. 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ted Simmonds, Senior Manager, Infrastructure and Facilities via

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close 7 November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for early November.