Careers at UniSC

• School of Science, Technology and Engineering | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level 7, $105,843 - $115,703 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time (36.25 hrs per week), fixed-term appointment until 30 Nov 2027

Overview of TruForest

TruForest is a new world-leading network for laser (LiDAR) scanning of Australian rainforests. Led by UniSC, the project will unite LiDAR expertise, tools and data across four universities and five rainforests, with an international partnership that will facilitate future LiDAR use and access for anyone. The project will source new cutting-edge laser-scanning equipment, permanent rainforest monitoring sites, and an online, open-access, data portal. LiDAR will subsequently become more accessible for research scientists, thus advancing the accuracy and efficiency of measuring forest structure, biomass and carbon, offering new potential for scientific research into large scale forest responses to logging, cyclones and climate change.

The Opportunity

You will take a leading role in delivering the nationally significant TruForest project, providing end-to-end project management under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with the TruForest Management Committee. Combining strategic oversight with hands-on technical leadership, you will drive the day-to-day coordination, administration and successful execution of project objectives. You will ensure research infrastructure, equipment and field operations run effectively, while building capability by training fieldworkers, data users, and research personnel. Central to the role is the establishment of permanent rainforest sample sites and the embedding of advanced LiDAR capability across UniSC and the broader TruForest network. Working closely with key stakeholders, you will also develop operational procedures, resources and training materials that support researchers, partners and end-users, contributing to a high-performing, nationally connected research initiative.

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

You will

• Assist the Principal Investigator and TruForest Management Committee as TruForest Project Manager, promoting and managing a collaborative, efficient, professional and proactive culture focused on the timely achievement of the TruForest project objectives;
• Work collaboratively with the TruForest team to progress project milestones, through support of project planning and coordination, fieldwork, database establishment, internal and external meetings with key partners and collaborators, project and process evaluation, and facilitating communication across the TruForest network and externally to potential collaborators and end-users;
• Provide technical leadership, specialist support, expertise and training to staff, students and other users of project LiDAR equipment, field sites and data;
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and Management Committee to promote and maintain compliance with legislation, regulations, and standards, covering health and safety, good fieldwork and data practice, and application of risk management to ensure successful research outcomes.

About you

You are an effective communicator with strong interpersonal and motivational skills, able to engage confidently through verbal, written and active listening approaches. You thrive working both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating initiative and adaptability in response to changing priorities and new challenges. Comfortable operating in high-volume environments with minimal supervision, you bring the capability to lead and support data users, students and field assistants. Highly organised and efficient, you have a proven track record of managing your time effectively and meeting deadlines. You also apply strong analytical and independent critical thinking skills to research, fieldwork and data management, underpinned by a diligent commitment to high standards in scientific method, data storage and analysis.

You will possess:

• Relevant degree-level qualification with at least three years subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training from previous work experience in a research, technical, management or teaching role;
• Experience managing multiple work streams, with responsibility for managing staff, resources, finances and resolving conflict;
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the maintenance and use of LiDAR equipment including drones, LiDAR data handling, storage and analysis, and forest vegetation survey;
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining safety in a fieldwork environment, including an understanding of risk assessment, incident reporting and field team supervision;
• Experience working as part of an academic team, maintaining strong relationships with internal and external team members;
• Experience in university teaching or professional training in a relevant discipline, with positive feedback from participants;
• Working familiarity with university administrative procedures, policies and guidelines, relevant to planning executing and managing academic research and staff;
• Experience with scientific communication and writing, for both specialised and non-specialised audiences; and
• Current Queensland Driver’s 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.

Position description:  494172 - Senior Technical Officer - TruForest.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. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 12 April 2026.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

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:

Professor Andrew Marshall
Professor of Conservation Science - School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Telephone: 07 5456 5281
Email: amarsha1@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 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, demonstrating outstanding performance across key disciplines. At UniSC, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and contribute to shaping the future for generations to come.

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.