Research Projects – CSOF2
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title: / Technical Assistant – Potting Shed (2 Positions)Reference Number: / 28041
Classification: / CSOF2
Salary Range: / AU $44K to AU $57K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Canberra ACT
Tenure: / Specified Term of 2 years
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian /New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents
For Specified Term positions, we will accept applications from Temporary Residents with working rights for the length of the term, who do not require sponsorship.
Functional Area: / Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal: / 100%
% Client Focus - External: / 0%
Reports to the: / Potting Shed Manager
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
The role of Research Projects staff in CSIRO is to collaborate in scientific activities with other research staff usually by assisting with detailed planning, undertaking or assisting with experimental and observational work, and in carrying out the more practical aspects of the work.
The role will be located in the Potting Shed of the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Business Unit, Canberra. The primary responsibility of the role is to prepare materials for green house operation by undertaking various filling, transport, spraying and sterilisation tasks. The position works closely with other technical and scientific staff and has impact across a range of projects researching plant growth, disease and crop yield.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
· Provide timely delivery of consistent quality steam pasteurised potting media at research staff request.
· Fill Pots, wooden flats and plastic garbage bins using a hand shovel (bulk or shovel mixed specialised orders) as per Research Staff requests.
· Deliver pot requirement to designated glasshouse or growing areas on Black Mountain, Yarralumla and Crace sites using a tray top vehicle.
· Collect discarded media from glasshouses or growing areas:
o Stockpile media for composting
o Wash and sterilise used pots for reuse providing sufficient resources for future orders
o Operate steam boiler to produce steam to sterilise or pasteurise media
o Compost discarded media for reuse.
· Assist weekly with the collection of wheelie bins from several secure locations on site and from within the Phytoron Spraying of herbicides and pesticides.
· Autoclaving PC2 materials.
· Maintenance of the Phytoron to comply with PC2 regulation.
· Manoeuvre soil trailers and Dumper into the Potting Shed and various locations at the Black Mountain site.
· Ensure compliance with OH&S when lifting and operating heavy equipment.
· Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
· Work as an integral part of a research team to reach objectives.
· Assist other staff to complete allocated tasks and activities, as required.
· 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: Relevant Certificate in Horticulture, or similar discipline and/or equivalent experience.
2. Licence: Current Australian Driver’s licence.
3. Communication: Ability to communicate in a courteous manner, both orally and in writing, relaying basic facts, responding appropriately, and posing relevant questions to gain information.
4. Behaviours: Capable of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
5. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out supervised non-routine tasks.
Essential Criteria:
1. Demonstrated experience working in an agricultural or horticultural environment and familiar with plant requirements regarding potting media in a controlled environment.
2. Ability to follow defined procedures and protocols both written and verbal, accurately and consistently.
3. Ability to work compliantly in regulated facilities (OGTR and Dept Ag) and to facilitate compliance within team and with research staff and contractors
4. Ability to undertake manual handling and operate equipment safely in accordance with Health and Safety procedures.
5. Capable of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, research team, and carry out tasks under the direction of Scientific Researchers.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Knowledge of plant growth and care.
2. Experience operating a tractor and other relevant machinery.
CSIRO Values:
As Australia’s Innovation Catalyst, CSIRO has strategic actions underpinned by behaviours aligned to Excellent science, Inclusion, trust & respect, Health, safety & environment and Deliver on commitments. In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate alignment with these behaviours.
Special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to lift, bend, walk and undertake repetitive motions and undertake manual handling.
Candidates must be willing and able to undertake a medical examination prior to appointment.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. Your application should comprise one document which incorporates the latest version of your CV plus a covering letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role (uploaded under “Resume/Cover Letter”).
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:
Matt Skillen via email: or phone: +61 2 6246 5020.
OR Stephanie Haboury via email: or phone: +61 2 6246 5426.
Please do not email your application directly to Matt Skillen or Stephanie Haboury. 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.
Find out more: www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Agriculture and Food
Our CSIRO Agriculture and Food team is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability across the agriculture sector. We are among the world's largest agricultural research organisations providing access to comprehensive scientific and industry expertise from the scale of the gene, through animal, paddock and farm scales, to the landscape. The industries we collaborate with are similarly diverse from grain and cotton, through viticulture and horticulture, to sheep and beef industries in differing climatic and landscape environments.