Trades Assistant

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Role highlights

• Exceptional opportunity to work on a dual role as Mechanical trades assistance with added Health, Safety and Environment specialisation
• Enjoy a flexible, inclusive workplace with options for full-time or part-time work in regional NSW, typically Mon to Fri, 8am–4pm
• Join Australia's iconic Parkes Radio Telescope supporting world-leading space and astronomy research

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit for more information.

About the Australia Telescope National Facility

With over 200 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation. The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade.

The ATNF is part of CSIRO's Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe. Visit Australia Telescope National Facility - CSIRO for more information.

About Parkes Observatory

About 380 km from Sydney and 20 km outside the town of Parkes in the central-west region of New South Wales on Wiradjuri Country, is our Parkes Observatory, which hosts Murriyang, our Parkes radio telescope. While Murriyang's primary purpose is astronomy research, it also has a long history of working with NASA and other international space agencies to track and receive data from spacecrafts. The film The Dish was based on the real role the telescope played in the Apollo 11 Moon mission of 1969. Visit Murriyang, our Parkes radio telescope - CSIRO for more information.

The opportunity

If you're looking for a role that combines scientific impact with a peaceful regional lifestyle or are seeking a change from the challenging hours of mining or agriculture, we offer a 7.21 hr workday with a typical schedule of Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm in a supportive and flexible work environment.

We are seeking a Trades Assistant to join the Parkes Observatory Operations team. This is an interesting opportunity to provide support to the on-site technical team, which cover a diverse range of laboratory, workshop and field support across multiple functional areas, including mechanical, electrical and electronics. There is an added advantage if you bring in your prior Health, Safety and Environmental specialisation experience to this role to promote workplace safety, identify risk and ensure compliance with regulation.

Working as part of a skilled, collaborative team, you'll play a hands-on role supporting day-to-day operations within and across the observatory. We open to applicants who have an HSE specialisation only and willing to bring their prior expertise to this role, we highly recommend you to apply

We also have multiple opportunities available across three different locations in Australia (one in WA and two in NSW). We offer generous relocation support for individuals and families, and there are options for part-time which can be discussed based on the needs of role and individual circumstances. So, if you or someone in your professional network is looking for a tree change, or keen to venture into the space industry, submit your application and talk to us

Why join us?

Join a world-renowned icon of radio astronomy—Murriyang, the Parkes Radio Telescope "The Dish"—in a unique regional location offering the best of country living: minimal traffic, fresh air, and affordable real estate. Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave entitlements including four weeks annual leave and up to 15 days for personal or family needs, plus short-term accommodation or rental assistance. Benefit from salary packaging options and health and well-being initiatives. Located on the Newell Highway, midway between Melbourne and Brisbane, with easy access to Sydney (1-hour flight or 4.5-hour drive) and Canberra (3-hour drive). There are also strong employment opportunities for partners and family members in mining, construction, transport, and agriculture.

Key Duties for both levels

• Undertake routine maintenance tasks such as lubrication, oil and grease sampling, and service inspections, and providing fault-finding support for various mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, mark-up engineering drawings and update documentation.
• Assist with maintaining stores, workshop and laboratories.
• Assist in identifying and implementing preventive maintenance routines and safe work procedures.
• Assist in a range of site activities, which can include telescope equipment changes, stores support, general site support to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the observatory systems and site.
• Occasional travel to other CSIRO sites may be required for periods up to a week.
• Support and foster the Parkes Observatory health and safety culture.

Additional duties for HSE specialist

• Promote workplace safety by adhering to HSE policies and procedures, including PPE usage and hazard reporting.
• Conduct safety checks on equipment and workspaces to identify risks and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Assist in incident reporting and investigation processes, helping document and communicate findings.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, safety inspections, and compliance logs.
• Participate in toolbox talks and safety briefings to stay updated on procedures and risks.
• Liaise with CSIRO corporate HSE support and communicate changes and new expectations to the Parkes Observatory team.

Role particulars

• Location:Parkes (Regional) New South Wales. (Wiradjuri Country)
• Salary: CSOF3 (Trades Assistant or HSE Advisor/Specialist): AU$76k - AU$96k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation CSOF4 (Trades Assistant with HSE Specialisation): AU$100k - AU$113k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) plus 15.4% superannuation, plus additional on-call allowances.
• Tenure & work schedule: 3 year term, Full-time or Part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE). Mon – Fri schedule of 8 am – 4 pm
• Reference: 101701

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential Criteria for both roles

• Demonstrated industrial experience as a trade assistant that contributed to the maintenance and operation of one or more of the following: mechanical systems, hydraulics, open gearing, gearboxes, diesel generators and hoists.
• Demonstrated experience in fault finding and diagnosis of issues, including interpretation of documentation and drawings where needed.
• High level of interpersonal skills, including being respectful and collaborative, building trust, listening, and using discussions to find common ground. Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to utilise computer software packages for general correspondence and documentation updates.

Desirable

• Experience in either mechanical, electrical, refrigeration or welding and fabrication trades.

• Working at Heights certificate and Heights Rescue Training certificate.

• Any of the following licenses or be willing to obtain once employed

• General Construction induction (White Card)
• Elevated Work Platform License (HRW-WP)
• Forklift License (Class LF)
• Medium Ridged (MR) Truck License

Additional Criteria for HSE Advisor

• Previous work experience in mechanical or industrial settings, in a support role with specialisation at HSE coordinator, is highly valued.
• Demonstrated understanding of WHS regulations and safe work practices.
• Strong awareness of safety protocols and environmental standards.
• Ability to report hazards and participate in safety investigations or audits.
• Have a First Aid Certificate or be prepared to obtain one once employed.

For full details about this role, please review the Position Description.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

We recognise there are many pathways to developing skills and experience, and we can consider appointing at different levels depending on what you bring. If you have more experience and capability than outlined, the role may be upgraded to a higher level; likewise, if you are still developing in some areas, we may be able to offer the role at a lower level. If you'd like to discuss whether this opportunity could be the right fit, please contact us.

Setting You Up for Success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, and can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise that true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted. CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

The CSIRO Space & Astronomy Research unit was also awarded the Gold Pleiades Award, demonstrating the highest level of recognition from the Astronomical Society of Australia's Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy chapter: Gold Pleaides awarded to CSIRO Space and Astronomy - Australia Telescope National Facility

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages), that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Please attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document.

Applications close

30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT

We strongly encourage you to apply early, as the selection panel will be reviewing applications as they come in. CSIRO reserves the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date, if required.