Support the operational running of a regional and diverse research facility.

• Employment Type: Full time, continuing.
• Remuneration: Level 6, from $100,354 + 17% superannuation.
• Location: Fowlers Gap Research Station, Regional NSW.

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. Estate Management (EM) provides a range of services and advice to all Faculties and Divisions on the Kensington campus as well as the sub-campuses.

About Fowlers Gap

Fowlers Gap Research Station is a field station of UNSW Sydney used for education, research, and outreach about the ecology and management of Australia's arid zone. The station has recently divested itself of sheep and has moved towards protecting and managing its ecosystems, informed by research. This role is based in far western NSW, 110km north of Broken Hill. The station is located in the arid zone of Australia (temperature range 40°C in the summer (day) and 0°C during the winter (night). The role will be required to live on site and will be provided accommodation.

Why your role matters

Reporting to the Senior Manager - Property & Retail and working in collaboration with the Director of Fowlers Gap Research and Conservation and Facilities Management, the Field Station Officer plays a key support role in the delivery of the Fowlers Gap Strategic Adaptive Management Plan ( SAMP), facilities management and hospitality, and will provide practical and efficient assistance relating to station operations & supporting research and conservation management, teaching, education, and outreach activities based on the station.

About the Role

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Provide general assistance with the activities of researchers (academics, students, agency personnel), visitors and artist groups as required.
• Provide assistance in relation to accommodation bookings, lodging and food, subject to station policies for visitors. This includes the management of bookings, general housekeeping, and the onsite onboarding and offboarding as staff, students and visitors arrive and depart the property. This includes ensuring all visitors are informed of all work, health and safety processes, practices and obligations whilst onsite.
• Record daily activities and location log of students, researchers and visitors.
• Assist with the development of long-term monitoring, using camera traps and listening devices, education activities and outreach.
• Support the Field Station Manager to coordinate and carry out conservation management of invasive species control (e.g., goats, cats, foxes) baiting and weed control, as programmed in the Strategic Adaptive Management Plan.
• Assist with feral animal control including regular trapping and muster of wild goats.
• Collaborate with Field Station Manager with station activities that require additional manpower to ensure the efficient operation of the station and resources.
• Participate and contribute to monthly activities with the Field Station Manager and attend regular meetings as required.
• Work with the Field Station Manager to assist and independently carry out various maintenance tasks such as fencing, machinery, vehicle repairs, and checking and maintenance of water supplies.
• Rubbish collection, waste management and disposal from Station buildings and site.
• Manage basic record keeping, including logging scheduled events in the Station diary, and providing monthly/ quarterly reports or worksheets in respect of their own work as required by the Senior Manager - Property and Retail.
• Read instruments, take photographs (including camera trap data), and provide assistance in the maintenance and recording of weather, fauna and vegetation condition records.
• Work with the Field Station Manager to provide direction and supervise external contractors providing maintenance and repair services for the station.
• Provide input and feedback to the Field Station Manager and Regional Property Manager in developing an annual works program for Fowlers Gap.
• Assist with guided tours and promote understanding of the natural and cultural values of the station, the challenges of conservation management, including sharing knowledge of the landscape and UNSW research, education and engagement.
• Provide support to the Wild Deserts Project in Sturt National Park in consultation with Senior Manager - Property & Retail and the Manager, Wild Deserts Project, as required.

About You

• Completion of a certificate or a post trades certificate and relevant experience in conservation management, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/ or experience is desirable.
• Experience and knowledge in natural resource or environmental management, or related field is desirable.
• Experience in remote living environment.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake general maintenance of infrastructure and farm equipment.
• Experience in control of feral animals and monitoring wildlife.
• Licensed to use a firearm for feral animal control.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to obtain licences to operate a broad range of heavy equipment on the station, including a front-end loader.
• Current first aid certificate.
• Training or willingness for training in using pesticides or herbicides in feral animal and weed control.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with a customer service focus.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to projects and initiatives.