Technical Services – CSOF6

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised JobTitle: / MNF Science Operations Manager
Reference Number: / 43221
Classification: / CSOF6
Salary Range: / AU $106KtoAU $124Kplus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Hobart, TAS
Tenure: / Indefinite
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents Only

Functional Area: / Technical Services
% Client Focus - Internal: / 50%
% Client Focus - External: / 50%
Reports to the: / Facilities Program Director
Number of Direct Reports: / 6
Role Overview:
The Science Operations Manager (SOM) will provide a key contact for vessel users and manage the Marine National Facility (MNF) Operations Team to provide services that support the safe and effective operation of research voyages aboard the MNF RV Investigator and other vessels. The SOM will have responsibility for providing advice to stakeholders; supporting the assessment panels during the application process - in particular through provision of expert opinion on vessel and equipment capability and operational constraints; developing the MNF research voyage schedule and managing its implementation by their team of Operations Officers.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
  • Define the strategy for delivery of operational aspects of MNF business including implementation of procedures and policies that provide a framework for the work of operational personnel.
  • Responsible for the provision of appropriate advice to users and potential users on vessel capabilities, equipment capabilities, technical support requirements, policies, procedures and processes by determining and anticipating their needs. Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
  • Support and advise the assessment panels on operational, logistic and capability matters during the application for sea time processes.
  • Develop and manage efficient MNF research voyage schedules that include the highest ranked applications possible, from the primary, supplementary and research charter processes.
  • Ensure the highest practicable utilisation of Investigator’s capacity by enabling access through the supplementary application and piggyback processes.
  • Direct and oversee the implementation of the MNF Research Schedule by the Operations Team throughout the voyage planning process to deliver safe, efficient and successful voyages.
  • Work with the CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Engineering & Technology Program to ensure delivery of technical services, systems and equipment to the MNF, consistent with the service agreement, to meet the objectives of each voyage.
  • Establish and lead an effective operations team by managing the achievement of key goals, providing a positive working environment characterised by technical excellence, creativity, innovation and flexibility and, as their immediate manager, support their development, establish workplace culture and have a focus on Health, Safety and the Environment.
  • Encourage and enable the development of staff consistent with capability needs and the optimal deployment of team resources and infrastructure.
  • Report to the MNF Facilities Program Director on all aspects of operation of the vessel: provide specialist advice on applications, scheduling, stakeholder relations; convey MNF strategy and Program goals to staff; identifying issues and opportunities for improvement across MNF operations; representing MNF at internal and external forums.
  • Provides input into high level papers and reports to the MNF Director and MNF Steering Committee as required.
  • Participate on occasions as on board Voyage Manager, especially if complex sampling operations or charters are involved.
  • Choose appropriate management strategies and communication styles to maintain high levels of motivation and productivity, giving feedback for development purposes and providing support for improvement.
  • Direct resources taking calculated risks to achieve successful operational outcomes within tight financial, HR and time constraints.
  • Act as an advocate for the MNF strategy as a key member of the MNF Management Team.
  • 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
Essential Criteria:
1.Education/Qualifications: Strong science background coupled with a broad understanding of maritime operations and the ability to translate these skills into successful blue-water research voyages on the MNF Research Vessel Investigator and other chartered vessels as required.
2.Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support for contentious, proposals/ideas.
3.Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
4.Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, and carry out non-routine tasks under broad direction from the MNF Facilities Program Director.
5.Problem Solving: Proven ability to anticipate problems in ambiguous situations, develop appropriate solutions based on thorough evaluation and interpretation, and defend the conclusions with reasoned arguments.
6.Team Management: Ability to promote flexibility and change amongst direct reports and take opportunities to overcome challenges that arise as a result of uncertainty. Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship to promote professional growth and address succession.
As Australia’s Innovation Catalyst, CSIRO has strategic actions underpinned by behaviours aligned to:
  • Excellent science
  • Inclusion, trust & respect
  • Health, safety & environment
  • Delivery on commitments.
In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate alignment with these behaviours.
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to participateon sea going research voyages on the MNF Research Vessel Investigator and other chartered vessels as required.
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:
Mr Don McKenzievia email: phone: +61 3 6232 5234
Please do not email your application directly to Mr McKenzie. 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!
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Find out more here!: Balance
About the Marine National Facility
Funded by the Australian Government, owned and operated by CSIRO under direction of an independent Steering Committee, the Marine National Facility provides a blue-water research capability to the Australian scientific community and their international collaborators.
The Marine National Facility is based at CSIRO’s Marine Laboratories in Hobart, Tasmania, which is also home port for the research vessel. Since 2000, 348 applications totalling over 8,000 days at sea have been applied for throughout all corners of Australia vast marine estate. This research obtained from these voyages provides critical information to directly support government, industry and other stakeholders in making evidence based decisions to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of Australian marine industries.
The Marine National Facility has been a key element of Australia's national research infrastructure since 1984.
Research vessel
The 94m research vessel, Investigator, is available for multidisciplinary research in the oceans and seas around Australia.
Investigator was commissioned in 2014-15 to replace the 66m Southern Surveyor. Investigator has a greater range and can carry more scientific personnel than Southern Surveyor, enabling research to be carried out to the Antarctic ice-edge.
Governance
The purpose of the Marine National Facility Steering Committee (MNFSC) is to assist the CSIRO Board to fulfil its governance responsibilities through the provision of high level advice on the ongoing delivery of ocean research capabilities for the nation.
The Marine National Facility comprises:
  • an ocean class research vessel Investigator
  • a package of scientific equipment and instrumentation
  • a collection of more than 30 years of marine data
  • the expertise required to manage an ocean going research platform and support vessel users
  • an independent Steering Committee and advisory committees to oversee the Facility
For further information about the Marine National Facility, visit our website at