Ref 008/25 Senior Technical Support Officer, Ecology Hub, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
About Us
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led university, located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing, economically significant region. The University has 11 campuses in Sydney, as well as campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Surabaya, Indonesia, with plans for two campuses in India. With over 200,000 alumni, almost 50,000 students, and approximately 3,500 staff, the University promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative culture focused on research and dedicated to student-centered excellence.
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about ecology and conservation science? Western’s Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is seeking a dedicated Senior Technical Support Officer to join our team supporting the Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology.
The Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology will leverage Western’s world leading expertise in ecology and conservation science in partnership with the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). The Hub will establish a smart sensor network across 25 permanent monitoring plots incorporating innovative Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology for collection of key ecological data. Such plot networks are rare but provide invaluable long-term datasets to underpin high quality research and environmental monitoring. Real-time monitoring will generate a rich data stream vital to improve ecological forecasting and provide exceptional opportunities for student training and public engagement.
As a Senior Technical Support Officer at the Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology, you will be instrumental in supporting cutting-edge ecological research. Your role encompasses purchasing and installing sensors, maintaining and programming data loggers, and developing systems for remote data collection. You will oversee data streaming workflows, ensuring the accurate transfer, storage, and curation of datasets. Additionally, you will assist in creating web resources for public engagement and conduct field surveys using advanced technologies like terrestrial LiDAR and drone-based sensors. Your responsibilities also include providing technical support and training, managing equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety standards.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years based at Hawkesbury campus, although travel to other locations may be required.
About You
You hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, complemented by research experience or equivalent industry/government training. Your expertise with environmental sensors, such as sap flow meters, dendrometers, and soil moisture sensors, includes installation, maintenance, calibration, datalogger programming, and data transfer. You have a strong background in managing projects related to ecology, sensor technology, and environmental science, with hands-on experience in relevant equipment and instrumentation. Your strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills are matched by your ability to manage workflows and provide technical support for ecological and environmental science facilities. A valid NSW driving license is essential for this role.
Why Join us?
Western Sydney University is committed to equity and inclusiveness, aiming to tackle inequalities and promote wellbeing. If you share our passion for creating a more equitable world and are ready to contribute to meaningful change, join us in our mission.
Joining our team offers exceptional benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:
Remuneration Package: HEW Level 6 $113,344 to $121,488 p.a. (comprising Salary of $95,777 to $102,659 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading)
Position Enquiries: Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Brendan Choat on (02) 4570 1901 or via email at
Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Recruitment Team at
Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 30 March 2025
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted. #J-18808-Ljbffr