Marine Facilities, Senior Technician - Minderoo Exmouth Research Laboratory (MERL)

The Minderoo Foundation

The Minderoo Foundation

Operations
Perth, WA, Australia
Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2024

About Us

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future.

Minderoo's Natural Ecosystems Focus Area drives Minderoo's work on natural ecosystems. It is dedicated to restoring and maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, safeguarded for all generations, focusing on the Indo-Pacific Ocean and through our global influence.

The 2030 Strategy targets this focus on the protection of biodiversity and habitats within Australia and its neighbouring waters, alongside efforts to accelerate a sustainable blue economy through our global leadership in ocean finance and bolster the partnerships required to make this a reality.

The Strategy will also seek to foster innovations and harness internal research expertise through OceanOmics. Climate change and sustainable ocean food production are additional programs that are under development to further our protection of oceans and natural ecosystems.

This work will see an increase in ecosystem resilience to human-driven threats, including climate change.

About the Opportunity

The Minderoo Exmouth Research Laboratory (MERL) provides scientists with state-of-the-art facilities that enable high quality, high impact marine research, right on the doorstep of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef.

Due to the nature of laboratory and field research, this role involves non-traditional work hours and regular 24-hour on-call duties (shared among the team) to manage key equipment and delicate research projects.

Based in Exmouth, Western Australia.

Relocation support and housing assistant could be considered for applicants based in Australia.

Reporting to the Manager, MERL. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the MERL facility is maintained to a high standard for the conducting of science research projects.

You will work closely with other MERL staff to ensure the uninterrupted supply of high-quality processing water to the aquarium area, maintain all infrastructure associated with the delivery of experiment-ready water and scientific equipment.

The primary focus of the role will include (but not limited to):

  • Identifying faults and solutions, which could involve outsourcing aspects of electrical work.
  • Serve as the designated project coordinator, ensuring the successful delivery of various internal and external science projects.
  • Support risk management efforts by implementing practices that minimise safety and environmental risks to the lowest reasonably achievable level.
  • Oversee researchers using the aquaria systems, ensuring adherence to safety standards, proper facility usage, and providing necessary technical guidance.
  • Develop, enhance, and manage maintenance schedules for all equipment, and promptly address any maintenance outages.
  • Assist scientists in the design and construction of custom equipment and aquaria setups.
  • Maintain equipment and infrastructure in both wet and dry research laboratories, including molecular science equipment, to ensure reliable operation.
  • Perform maintenance and calibration of process control systems and instrumentation.
  • Maintain the hydraulic and aeration systems to provide experimental aquaria with water of appropriate quality.
  • Procure, and ensure a sufficient inventory of critical spare parts and consumables to maintain continuous operations.

About You

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and reporting skills, along with robust project management and work scheduling capabilities. With the ability to identify faults and provide solutions.

  • Proven expertise in water quality management, coupled with experience in managing PLC or automated systems.
  • Strong knowledge of related issues and a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of troubleshooting complex PLCs and automated systems.
  • Practical, hands-on skills in construction and maintenance, with the ability to logically solve problems.
  • A deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of working within a small team in a remote location.
  • Desirable technical qualifications may include: an A Class Electrical Licence (but this is not essential), Cert IV in Instrumentation, Driving Licence and First Aid Certificate. Skipper's qualification Coxswain Grade 1 (desirable but not essential).
  • Excellent communication and people management skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse working styles.

Ability to be permanently located in Exmouth, Western Australia.

Relocation support and housing assistant could be considered for applicants based in Australia.

If you are passionate about marine research and have the skills to lead and inspire a team in a dynamic and remote environment, we encourage you to apply.

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity, and highlighting your relevant experience.

Applications close: Wednesday 4th September 2024

Please note we reserve the right to close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.