• School of Science Technology and Engineering | UniSC Sunshine Coast or UniSC Moreton Bay

• Level 4, $50.41 per hour plus 12% superannuation

• Multiple casual opportunities available

The Opportunity

Join UniSC’s School of Science, Technology and Engineering and contribute to the national TruForest rainforest laser-scanning network. In this role, you will assist in establishing large-scale vegetation monitoring plots within primary forest and dense rainforest environments.

This is a hands-on, physically demanding position suited to candidates with prior ecological fieldwork experience who enjoy working outdoors in challenging and remote conditions. You will join a collaborative team undertaking precise data collection that supports internationally significant environmental research.

Please note, fieldworkers will be assigned to work in one of three locations, from the following: (1) D’Aguilar National Park near Samford Village in the Moreton Bay region; (2) National parks or Council protected areas near to Mission Beach in the Cassowary Coast region; and/or (3) Crater Lakes, Danbulla and/or Wooroonooran National Parks in the Atherton Tablelands region.

UniSC strongly encourages applications from First Nations peoples, particularly candidates from the Jinibara, Tablelands Yidinji and Djiru communities.

For more information, please visit us online: School of Science, Technology and Engineering and TruForest project

You will

• Establish vegetation plots using compass navigation, stakes, and measuring lines;
• Measure trees and vines accurately using tapes and specialist field equipment;
• Capture tree height data using rangefinding tools;
• Record field data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Mark and tag vegetation for long-term monitoring;
• Identify and note plant species where possible; and
• Work collaboratively within a small, field-based team in remote environments.

About you

You are reliable, physically capable, and comfortable working in rugged outdoor environments. You bring a practical approach to fieldwork, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to collecting high-quality data.

You will possess:

• At least one month of experience in ecological or forest survey work;
• The physical fitness required for sustained work in dense, uneven terrain;
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection; and
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Desirable

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person;
• Experience working in physically demanding field environments;
• Exposure to tropical rainforest ecosystems or vegetation surveys;
• Familiarity with one of the intended study regions;
• Relevant qualifications (completed or in progress) in ecology, environmental science, or similar;
• First aid certification; and
• A current, valid driver licence.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

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.

How to apply

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

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

Applications for this position close midnight, Saturday 4 July 2026.

We encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible, as applications will be reviewed on receipt and interviews may be scheduled ahead of the closing date. The University reserves the right to close the advertisement early if the vacancy is filled prior to the advertised closing date.

 Your completed application must include:

• a resume, including information relevant to the the specified selection criteria outlined within the job advertisement. In your application, also please indicate which of the three intended fieldwork locations is most preferable for you and why. There will be opportunity within the application form to also include supporting documentation should you wish.

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

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

Professor Andrew Marshall
Professor of Conservation Science – School of Science Technology and Engineering
Telephone: 07 5456 5281
Email: amarsha1@usc.edu.au

Or

Calum McRae

Senior Technical Officer - School of Science Technology and Engineering

Telephone: 07 5456 3862

Email: cmcrae@usc.edu.au         

Discover UniSC

We’re all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. While we’re not the largest university, we are one of the fastest growing in Australia, now with over 2,000 staff across five campuses in South East Queensland and an expanding presence in major capital cities, and we’re making a big impact every day through ground-breaking research, a strong commitment to sustainability, high-performance sport, and award-winning alumni.

We are committed to delivering high-quality research and teaching that address major global and regional challenges, with established and emerging strengths in sustainability, environmental systems, biodiversity, aquaculture, preventative health and regional resilience. Our research excellence is internationally recognised through strong performance in global benchmarking, including leading rankings in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for “Zero Hunger,” “Climate Action” and “Life on Land.” UniSC is also recognised for its teaching excellence, with a strong emphasis on student success, innovative and engaging learning experiences, and strong graduate outcomes that equip learners to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. As the only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UniSC is uniquely positioned to leverage its natural environment to advance impactful research, teaching and partnerships that support sustainable futures, with sustainability embedded across all aspects of our teaching, research and operations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages continuous professional development and provides the tools and resources to grow your career. We value the contributions of every team member and the role they play in our culture and success. We’re not afraid to do things differently, and we’re looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team working together to make a meaningful difference to 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.

• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.