Senior Technical Officer (Soil Science) na University of Queensland

About This Opportunity

Play a key role in shaping hands-on learning and research excellence in soil and environmental science. As the Technical Officer, you’ll ensure our students and researchers have access to safe, well-managed, and fully equipped laboratory and field environments.

You’ll support practical classes, operate and maintain a wide range of laboratory and field equipment, and provide specialist technical and OHS guidance to staff and students undertaking research. You’ll also oversee facilities used by the Soil Science group, helping to keep teaching and research running seamlessly.

While part of the Agronomy, Plant and Soil Science technical team, you’ll also have the opportunity to support related discipline areas—keeping your work varied, collaborative, and impactful. Based at St Lucia, the role may involve occasional travel to Gatton or other field sites for training or operational needs.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support Teaching & Learning: Plan and deliver technical support for undergraduate and postgraduate practical classes in soil, agricultural and environmental sciences. Develop and update practical materials, support tutor training, and induct students in laboratory and field settings.

• Guide Student Research: Provide high-level advice on experimental design, method development, and laboratory, analytical and field techniques. Maintain consumables, reference materials and specimens, and assist with organising excursions and field activities.

• Manage Facilities & Equipment: Oversee Soil Science teaching and research facilities, ensuring safe, efficient operation. Coordinate equipment calibration, repairs and maintenance, manage cost-recovery processes, support procurement and asset audits, and assist with minor works and contractor coordination.

• Ensure Safety & Compliance: Promote a strong safety culture across labs and field sites, monitor work practices, support chemical and equipment safety compliance, and ensure adherence to UQ policies, procedures and relevant legislation.

This is a full-time fixed-term position through to May 2026 at HEW Level 6.

About You

• Qualifications & Technical Expertise: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in soil science, environmental science, agricultural science or a related discipline, with relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Broad knowledge of soil, environmental and agricultural sciences, particularly soil chemistry and analysis.

• Laboratory & Field Skills: Demonstrated capability in laboratory and field techniques, including operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of soil chemistry and soil physics equipment, and experience in designing and conducting experiments. Ability to quickly learn new methods, instruments and analytical techniques.

• Facility & Teaching Support: Experience, or the proven ability to develop skills, in managing teaching and research laboratories and field sites in line with policies, standards and safety requirements. Skilled in supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students with technical advice, training and practical supervision.

• Data & Digital Capability: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and scientific/statistical software for data entry, analysis, reporting and visualisation. Ability to maintain accurate records and present data in a range of formats.

• Safety, Compliance & Licences: Understanding—or the ability to acquire knowledge—of OHS requirements, UQ policies, risk assessment processes and online purchasing systems. Ability to hold or obtain a forklift licence.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ms Kerry Vinall at [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job requisition ID in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:  

• Resume

• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Monday November 24th 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58072). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday December 1st 2025.

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