Technical Assistant, Table Olive Processing

• Based in the UniSA STEM Unit in Loxton
• Part-time (0.8FTE), fixed-term contract until 26 June 2027
• Starting Salary: $66,133, pro rata, per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

About you

You are a patient and detail-oriented professional who takes pride in producing high-quality work through dedication and care. You have a strong work ethic, follow instructions precisely, and work autonomously with reliability and consistency. You are adaptable, safety-conscious, and committed to maintaining a clean and efficient work environment while supporting your team to achieve shared goals.

About the role

Reporting to the Professor, this Loxton (Riverland) based role supports the delivery of a pre-commercial demonstration of faster, cleaner, and more economical table olive production through automation and innovation. You will play a key role in increasing annual production volumes and maintaining the project's reputation for producing high-quality table olives. This position is funded by the Department of Education's Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate Grant project, Olives the Australian Way – A pre-commercial demonstration of a novel debittering process for a new style of table olive, which concludes on 26 June

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

To be successful you will need

• Year 12 or higher with relevant food processing experience
• Physically fit with good eyesight, dexterity and ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to learn operating distillation, olive pitting and pallet wrapping equipment
• Willingness to obtain confined space, forklift and first aid certifications
• Team player with flexibility to perform varied tasks and a current driver's licence

Why join us?

We value workplace diversity and are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and respectful work environment for all people. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

Working at the University will provide you with a wide range of benefits. These include:

• Access to great personal development opportunities
• Generous superannuation contributions of 17%
• Flexible working conditions
• Employee assistance and development programs
• A variety of leave arrangements

Be part of a University for the future

For a copy of the position description and to apply, please visit Working at UniSA. Applicants are required to upload a cover letter and resume only.

Please address your cover letter to Laura Gomes, Consultant: Recruitment Central. For further information about the position or the recruitment process, please contact Recruitment Central on or via email at using job reference number 7397. Please note applications will not be accepted via email and must be uploaded via the Working at UniSA Portal.

Applications close: 11.30pm Wednesday 5 November 2025

We are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment process and encourage you to share any support, adjustments and/or access requirements you have by contacting our Recruitment Central team. Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

This position is a flexible ordinary hours appointment, which requires ordinary hours to be worked on a rostered shift arrangement that includes performing work both within and outside the span of ordinary hours as specified in the University of South Australia Enterprise Agreement 2023 and its successor enterprise agreements. A flexibility loading will be paid at the appropriate rate for every hour worked outside of the span of ordinary hours as specified in the Enterprise Agreement.