Careers at UniSC

• Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Engagement) | UniSC Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay
• Level 5, $80,236 - $90,420 p.a (pro rata)., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (50% FTE / 18.13 hrs per week), 12 month fixed-term appointment

The Opportunity

Join UniSC’s Milbi Centre for Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation and play a hands-on role in protecting and caring for marine life. As an Assistant Operations Officer, you’ll support the Centre’s daily operations, help train and guide staff and volunteers, and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and safety. You’ll also foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment that reflects the Centre’s commitment to ethical and culturally aware practices.

Please note: It is a condition of employment for this position that you may be required to be on-call outside of standard business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm) and on weekends to receive sick or injured sea turtles.

You will

• provide integral support to the Senior Operations Officer in managing the daily operations of the Milbi Centre, ensuring the seamless execution of activities, and contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the Centre;
• assume responsibility for monitoring the health of sea turtles under care and collaborate with external veterinary staff to ensure timely and appropriate medical attention, contributing to the overall well-being of the sea turtles;
• facilitate training, induction and supervision of staff and volunteers ensuring their understanding of protocols, including First Nations cultural protocols, and procedures related to sea turtle care and rehabilitation; and
• undertake training, supervision and support of researchers in relation to animal handling procedures for sea turtles, ensuring the Centre’s Standard Operating Procedures and best practise guidelines are followed as required by the ‘Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes’.

About you

You’re organised, proactive, and passionate about maintaining high standards in everything you do. With strong attention to detail, you keep accurate records of animal health, treatments, and daily operations. A confident communicator, you express yourself clearly in writing and conversation, use Microsoft 365 tools with ease, and work just as effectively on your own as you do in a team. You handle sensitive information with discretion and bring professionalism and composure to dynamic, fast-paced environments.

You will possess:

• completion of a degree in marine biology, zoology or related animal science discipline or certificate IV in veterinary nursing/certification in wildlife rehabilitation or significant relevant experience in the care of sea turtles or wildlife rehabilitation;
• experience in supporting operations, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the daily operations and challenges involved within a wildlife conservation or rehabilitation setting;
• practical knowledge and hands-on experience in wildlife trauma is essential; specifically, caring for and treating sea turtles;
• previous experience working with veterinary staff in monitoring and ensuring the health of animals under care;
• experience in operating and maintaining specialist equipment including pumps, filtration, water storage and treatment;
• ability to familiarise with First Nations cultural protocols, preferably those specific to the Butchulla community and region; and
• experience in training and supervising staff or volunteers, ensuring they understand and adhere to procedures and protocols.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description:  493763 - Assistant Operations Officer.pdf 

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website.

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 18 January 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Holly West
Senior Operations Officer
Email: hwest@usc.edu.au 

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.