• Based in the College of Science at the City East campus
• Full-time, fixed term contract until 31 December 2028
• Salary Range: $88,989 - $100,268 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)
• Contribute to ecosystem research through fieldwork, data management and equipment support

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive. 

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters 

Make a meaningful contribution to understanding and protecting Australia’s ecosystems. As a TERN Ecosystem Processes Officer, you will support vital environmental research through field monitoring, scientific data collection and remote sensor operations.

Working across diverse and often remote landscapes, you will help generate the high-quality data that informs research, environmental management and future conservation outcomes.

Curious to learn more? Explore the full role description to discover more about this opportunity.  

The team 

Join the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), Australia's ecosystem observatory and a nationally significant research infrastructure supporting environmental science across the country. TERN provides the data, monitoring platforms and research infrastructure that help scientists understand how Australia's ecosystems are changing over time and respond to environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land management pressures.

As part of this collaborative and purpose-driven team, you'll contribute to nationally important research while working in some of Australia's most unique and diverse environments.

Visit the AU website to learn more about TERN. 

Our people  

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, hands-on and adaptable field professional with a passion for environmental research and a strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork. They bring experience supporting field-based scientific projects, maintaining monitoring equipment and collecting high-quality environmental data in diverse and sometimes remote environments.

Remote work will include 1-2 day trips twice per month with teams of postgraduate students, staff and lab groups.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience 

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the following skills and experience: 

• Demonstrated experience supporting environmental monitoring, scientific fieldwork or research activities in field-based environments
• Demonstrated experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific monitoring equipment, including coordinating equipment servicing and maintaining associated procedures and documentation
• Demonstrated experience collecting, managing and quality checking environmental or research data using relevant digital tools and systems
• Experience with programming and scripted data analysis, together with a willingness to learn new technical skills that support environmental monitoring activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of health, safety and risk management practices, including experience supporting compliance activities within a research, laboratory or field-based environment
• Proven ability to organise, prioritise and coordinate activities to achieve objectives and meet deadlines in remote or complex operating environments
• Demonstrated experience communicating professionally and building effective working relationships with academics, students, researchers and external stakeholders to achieve project outcomes
• Demonstrated experience undertaking fieldwork in remote or challenging environments
• Demonstrated experience with soil and vegetation sampling methodologies and specimen preparation techniques

Experience 

In addition, some special requirements for the preferred candidate for this role are included below;

• This role may involve travel locally or nationally
• This role may involve manual handling, working at heights or in confined spaces
• You must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence
• You must hold, or be willing to obtain and maintain, a current first aid qualification relevant to remote field operations

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Launch your future with Adelaide University now 

Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload: 

• your current CV 
• a cover letter
• the online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address

Submit your application by 11:30pm Wednesday 21 October 2026

For further information about this opportunity, please contact quoting reference number 493401

Emma Kelvin – Consultant, Talent Acquisition 
+61 8 8302 0482 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au  

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.  

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