Jobs and Careers

• Fieldwork meets tech in this dynamic, ecology-focused research role
• Join a two-person team collecting and processing drone data in remote, ecologically significant locations
• Full time, 3-year Fixed-Term opportunity based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Research Associate in Drone Field Operations will support the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network’s (TERN) Dronescape project in partnership with the University of Adelaide. Your primary responsibility involves collecting and processing drone imagery and lidar datasets that support national ecosystem monitoring efforts and advance understanding of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships under climate change.

You will form part of a two-person team conducting extensive, remote drone fieldwork across Australia’s TERN sites. Your primary responsibilities include planning and preparing field campaigns, coordinating drone permits and logistics, managing field equipment, and ensuring the safe collection and backup of drone data. You will also process drone-acquired RGB, multispectral, and lidar data into analysis-ready products and work closely with TERN’s Data Services team to prepare and release these datasets publicly.

What you’ll do:

• Plan and prepare field campaigns, including drone permit applications, travel arrangements, risk assessments, vehicle preparation, equipment readiness, and flight planning protocols.
• Establish and maintain robust backup systems for raw data collected during field campaigns, ensuring data integrity throughout the collection-to-delivery pipeline.
• Transform raw drone data into analysis-ready products, including orthomosaic generation from RGB and 10-band multispectral imagery, and 3D point cloud production from LiDAR datasets.
• Collaborate with TERN's Data Service Team to publish raw and processed datasets in cloud-optimised formats, ensuring broad accessibility for the scientific community.
• Collate, organise, and supply comprehensive metadata documentation to support dataset discoverability and reuse.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in scientific field campaigns, including equipment management, data collection protocols, and remote area operations.
• Demonstrated experience in processing drone-derived imagery and lidar data using industry-standard software and programming environments.
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, version control, and metadata standards for geospatial datasets.
• Experience documenting technical procedures and collaborating with data service teams or similar technical support groups.
• Proven ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, with excellent communication skills to collaborate and build a supportive community.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at Academic Level A and will have a total remuneration package of up to $125,877 comprising base salary within the range of $83,198 to $107,587 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success criteria
• For further information about this position, please contact Arko Lucieer, Head of School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences, Arko.Lucieer@utas.edu.au
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501223 - Research Associate in Drone Field Operations.pdf

Applications close Friday, 15 August 2025, 11.55pm

 As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.