Research Projects – CSOF3

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Technical Officer – Fire Testing
Reference Number: / 23187
Classification: / CSOF3
Salary Range: / AU $59K to AU $75K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / North Ryde (Sydney), NSW, Australia
Tenure: / Specified Term of 2 years
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
  All Candidates
  For Specified Term positions, we will accept applications from Temporary Residents with working rights for the length of the term, who do not require visa sponsorship.
Functional Area: / Research Projects
% Client Focus - Internal: / 20%
% Client Focus - External: / 80%
Reports to the: / Team Leader, Services
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
Fire resistance testing assists in determining the behaviour of an element of construction when exposed to defined heating and pressure conditions which may be encountered in a fully developed fire. The fire-resistance of a product or system can be determined through destructive fire testing designed to replicate the product’s intended end-use. The specimen is built into an appropriate supporting construction within a restraint frame and mounted on a furnace. The temperature within the furnace is controlled according to a time/temperature regime defined by Australian Standard 1530.4-2005. The National Construction Code (NCC) determines the requirements for the fire performance of internal linings (fire hazard properties) as well as the fire-resistance level (FRL) of vertical and horizontal fire separating elements such as fire doors, partitions and floor/ceilings systems to resist the passage of fire. These tested products and systems help to control the growth and spread of fire, which protects life safety by allowing occupants to escape and the fire services to gain access to fight the fire.
The role of Technical Officer - Fire Testing provides technical and laboratory support to the Fire Testing and Assessments group located at the Fire Technology laboratories in North Ryde, NSW. These laboratories provide commercial testing services to the construction, infrastructure and manufacturing industries in assessing the contribution of a product or system to a developing fire, in terms of ease of ignition, energy produced, smoke released and flame spread (fire hazard properties), as well as determining the fire-resistance level (FRL) of building systems for a fully developed fire in accordance with the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC), Section C - Fire resistance and other associated referenced standards.
The Technical Officer – Fire Testing will be required to construct brickwork relating to both small scale pilot specimens and large scale test specimens as required, and will be responsible for the coordination and supervision of external contractors during construction of full scale test specimens. This position is also responsible for the instrumentation of test specimens and test specimen documentation as well as assisting with the fire-resistance testing of full scale elements or running pilot scale testing in accordance with the requirements of various Australian and international test standards.
This role interacts with laboratory staff in the Structural Fire and Reaction to Fire laboratories to ensure the efficient operation of a busy and commercially focussed testing team.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
·  Construct small and large scale test specimens, including the installation of brickwork for pilot door hardware tests, and the installation of completed test specimen containing frames relating to pilot scale and vertical test furnaces.
·  Conduct day to day laboratory housekeeping duties including the demolition of specimens, removal of test debris and the regular clean-up of the laboratory spaces and equipment.
·  Maintain test equipment such as the full scale fire test furnaces, and specimen instrumentation including K type thermocouples including associated leads and plugs, radiometers and deflection measuring equipment.
·  Provide instrumentation of test specimens in accordance with the requirements of relevant Australian and International test standards as well as specimen instrumentation test documentation.
·  Participate in full scale fire-resistance testing and supervision of pilot scale testing as directed.
·  Utilise and comply with test methodologies such as AS1530.4-2005 (including international equivalents such as ASM E119, BS 476 and ISO 834) as well as methodologies relating to bushfire performance of external structures exposed to large radiant heat sources and direct flame contact (AS1530.8 parts 1 and 2).
·  Supervise the safe construction of test specimens by external contractors in accordance with the laboratory contractor management procedures and policies including contractor safety documentation, sighting and recording of relevant licenses and insurance documentation.
·  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 part of a multi-disciplinary research team, to carry out tasks under limited direction in support of scientific research.
·  Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to reach objectives.
·  Provide instruction on activities pertaining to the immediate work area and responsibilities, as required.
·  Adapt and/or develop original experimental methods, equipment and concepts 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: Successful completion of tertiary qualification(s) in Structural, Mechanical or Civil Engineering; or Fire Engineering, Science or relevant industrial trade qualifications (or equivalent skills and knowledge).
2.  Experience: Sound technical experience related to building construction or building infrastructure.
3.  Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks under general direction.
4.  Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions to deliver quality client-focused outcomes.
Essential Criteria:
1.  Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant Australian Standards relating to the fire-resistance testing of building elements including AS1530.4, as well as a good understanding of the test procedures relating to bushfire test methodologies contained in AS1530.8.1 and AS1530.8.2.
2.  Capable of undertaking construction work including the provision of bricklaying to facilitate fire resistance testing of door hardware as well as the construction of any necessary test frame openings for the construction of full scale vertical wall systems or other specimen configurations as required.
3.  Ability to communicate in a fluent and courteous manner, both verbally and in writing, offering factual information supported by proven data, and providing appropriate feedback when required to team members, managers, staff and stakeholders.
4.  Demonstrated knowledge of HSE requirements relating to a fire testing laboratory environment.
5.  The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team and to carry out tasks autonomously under general direction.
Desirable Criteria:
1.  Demonstrated ability to effectively determine own priorities when in a semi-autonomous role whilst under pressure and subject to tight time frames.
2.  Hold a NSW car drivers’ licence as well as a forklift licence and crane dogging licence.
3.  Experience in undertaking routine testing activities.
4.  Experience in laboratory and field investigations, laboratory equipment or other relevant experience relating to the fire performance of building systems.
5.  Ability to interpret technical fire testing and design standards.
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
Internal (CSIRO) candidates should apply for this position via the “Recruitment” link in SAP (choose “Jobs Central” and enter Requisition Number 23187). 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”).
At any stage during the recruitment process, 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:
Brett Roddy via email: or phone: 02 9490 5449
Please do not email your application directly to Mr Roddy. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
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