About us

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

Are you passionate about environmental science and eager to make a real impact on one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems? Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre is offering a unique opportunity to join the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) as an Airborne Scientific Instrumentation Technician.

Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre is seeking an Airborne Scientific Instrumentation Technician to support the Cooling and Shading sub-program of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP).

Your work will directly support the Cooling and Shading sub-program, focused on innovative interventions to reduce coral bleaching stress and protect the Great Barrier Reef. You'll assist in the setup, maintenance, and operation of advanced scientific instruments across various platforms, including marine vessels, manned aircraft, drones, and offshore structures.

Why You’ll Love This Role

1. Make a tangible impact on the environment:

Play a key role in preserving the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. Your efforts will be at the heart of pioneering solutions to combat coral bleaching, directly contributing to the health and longevity of this critical ecosystem.

1. Engage in cutting-edge science and innovation:

Work with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including atmospheric, aerosol, and lidar technologies. You’ll lead the development and deployment of these tools across multiple platforms, pushing the boundaries of environmental science and making significant strides in reef restoration.

1. Experience Adventure and Fieldwork:

Get hands-on experience in breathtaking locations, including a field expedition aboard SCU’s aircraft to Heron and One Tree Island this October. This role isn’t just about lab work; it’s about being in the field, where your expertise will help collect the critical data needed to save the reef.

Your Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and improvement of research technology across all RRAP Cooling and Shading projects.
• Coordinate the deployment of instrumentation to support researchers in both field and laboratory settings.
• Manage the installation, configuration, data quality control, logging, and display of instrumentation on various platforms.

About You

To thrive in this role, you’ll need a strong technical background and problem-solving skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines. Experience with airborne science, particularly in light aircraft or drone-based instrumentation, is highly desirable. Your qualifications include:

• A post-secondary qualification in engineering, electronics or related field with at least 12 months technical experience working with complex scientific instrumentation.
• Proficiency in atmospheric, aerosol, and lidar instrumentation, as well as hyperspectral cameras.
• Familiarity with instrument communication protocols and various data logging and programming methods.
• A passion for environmental science and a desire to be at the forefront of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and be part of a team dedicated to saving one of the world’s most precious ecosystems.

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

• Full-time, fixed term (until October 2026)
• Located at Coffs Harbour.
• HEW Level 6. The base salary ranges from $92,716 - $101,691 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $118,978 per annum.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and provide responses to the selection criteria in the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected]

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEST, 15 September 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.