Technical Services – CSOF3

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised JobTitle: / Technical Services Officer – Australian Tree Seed Centre (Part Time)
Reference Number: / 39101
Classification: / CSOF3
Salary Range: / AU $59,636toAU $75,900 (pro rata)plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Black Mountain, ACT
Tenure: / Indefinite – Part time (20 hours per week)
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
 All Candidates
Functional Area: / Technical Services
% Client Focus - Internal: / 35%
% Client Focus - External: / 65%
Reports to the: / Director, Australian Tree Seed Centre
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
The role of Technical Staff in CSIRO is to provide support for scientific research in a diverse range of laboratory and field situations across a range of different research projects. This support consists of the application of accepted technical practices and the development of new practices. The work is usually carried out as a member of a centralised service.
The Australian Tree Seed Centre (ATSC) collects, stores, documents, tests and dispatches seed of Australian tree species. The position will provide general technical support in the ATSC's seed store and will be responsible for key aspects of the workflow including seed processing, documentation and testing. The position will also involve packaging and dispatch including some interaction with customers and carriage services for domestic and overseas orders. The position is within a small team that has overall responsibility for management of the collection.
This is a part time position, which will preferably cover 4 or 5 working days (20 hours per week).
Duties and Key Result Areas:
The duties of this position support the ATSC seed store workflow and are undertaken within a team environment. They include:
1. Testing and reporting seed viability
2. Entering and updating data to the ATSC database
3. Organising and implementing package and dispatch to customers
4. Maintaining ATSC seedlots and seed store to comply with Biosecurity Australia Registered Export requirements
The person filling this role must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation. They will:
  • Work as part of a research team to carry out tasks under general direction of Senior Technical staff.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues within the team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to reach objectives.
  • Provide instruction and assist other staff to complete allocated tasks and activities, as required.
  • Provide advice on activities pertaining to the immediate work area and responsibilities, as required.
  • Adapt and/ or develop techniques, procedures/equipment/ concepts/ideas in support of existing and further research.
  • Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
  • Other duties as directed.

Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.Education/Qualifications: Trades Certificate, Assoc Diploma, Diploma, Degree inforestry, horticultural or agricultural science and/or equivalent experience.
2.Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
3.Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks under technical direction from Senior Technical/Research staff.
4.Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions.
Essential Criteria:
1.The ability to work with limited instruction to carry out accurate testing in a timely manner
2.Capacity to work with databases and online information systems including working with digital documents
3.Ability to communicate with customers, internal and external stakeholders
4.Capacity to work in a commercial environment that includes some handling of client confidential and financial information
5.The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team and carry out tasks under general direction from Senior Technical Staff.
Desirable Criteria:
1.Knowledge and experience of deployment, seed biology and testing of Australian tree species
2.Experience with seed testing, preferably in a quarantine-controlled setting
3.Experience in a commercial goods despatch role
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values of:
  • Integrity of Excellent Science
  • Trust & Respect
  • Creative Spirit
  • Delivering on Commitments
  • Health, Safety & Sustainability

Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at You may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Sarah Whitfeldvia email: phone: +61 2 6246 4857
Please do not email your application directly to Sarah Whitfeld.Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation.
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CSIRO National Collections & Marine Infrastructure CSIRO is the custodian of a number of collections of animal and plant specimens that contribute to national and international biological knowledge. Together, they constitute a vast storehouse of information about Australia’s biodiversity and underpin a significant part of the country’s taxonomic, genetic, agricultural and ecological research - making these vital resources for conservation and the development of sustainable land and marine management systems.
The Australian National Insect Collection is recognised both nationally and internationally as a major research collection. It is the world's largest collection of Australian insects and related groups such as mites, spiders, nematodes and centipedes, housing over 12 million specimens.