(HEO6) $89,383 - $96,550 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fixed term, full-time position for 2 years.

We are seeking a Spatial Field Ecologist to join a team responsible for designing field methods to support validation of remote sensing imagery and the collection of ecological data in remote locations, in support of a national project, NatureScan.

Funded by the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water as part of the Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring Grants Program. The NatureScan project aims to advance biodiversity monitoring in Australia by leveraging low-cost drone technology, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), and expertise in field ecology.

Working under general direction, the Spatial Field Ecologist will have a general focus on developing the tools and techniques for accurate and robust biodiversity mapping, including experts in field ecology, remote sensing, data processing, artificial intelligence, and biodiversity.

The position involves interstate and remote travel, including camping in remote locations for extended periods (up to two weeks).

To be successful you will need:

• Relevant extensive experience carrying out ecological surveys, including vegetation sampling methodologies and specimen preparation techniques, field classification and species identification.
• Experience in the collection of vegetation information for the validation of various satellite image products.
• Experience in the use of GIS and DGPS technology for accurate field positioning.
• Demonstrated experience following established survey protocols taking scientific measurements, herbarium quality voucher specimens, and/or soil samples.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking remote area operations, incorporating effective communications, navigation, management of health, safety and wellbeing, and the environment.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, 31 December 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Caleb Coish
TERN Ecosystem Surveillance and Business Manager
P: +61 (8) 8313 1142
E: caleb.coish@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description and/or selection criteria below: (If no links appear, try viewing on another device)

The University of Adelaide is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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