Acknowledgement of Country
CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.
Role highlights
- Great opportunity to lead field operations in a flagship project
- Apply your leadership and technical expertise in remote environments
- Join a team building the world’s largest low-frequency telescope!
About CSIRO
As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.
Visit CSIRO.au for more information.
The opportunity
The SKA-Low Telescope is part of the global SKA Observatory, a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will transform our understanding of the universe. Located in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country, SKA-Low is one of the world’s most ambitious scientific infrastructure projects, bringing together international partners, cutting-edge technology, and multidisciplinary expertise to deliver unprecedented research capability for decades to come.
In this context, the Field Team Supervisor will play a key role in delivering the SKA-Low Telescope by leading a team of technicians and field engineers responsible for maintaining critical field infrastructure. You will oversee day-to-day field operations, ensuring work is carried out safely, efficiently and to a high standard of quality, while supporting both construction and ongoing maintenance activities.
You will plan and coordinate field work, provide technical guidance, and work closely with internal teams, contractors, and key stakeholders to support delivery in a dynamic and remote environment. You will also play an important role in building and developing a high-performing, inclusive team, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement.
You will bring strong leadership experience in operational or field-based environments, along with the ability to adapt to remote working conditions and a FIFO roster (4 days on/3 days off). Your ability to communicate effectively, manage competing priorities, and lead through change will be key to success in this role.
If you’re passionate about leading teams in complex field environments and contributing to a landmark scientific project with global impact, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution!
Your high-level duties will include:
- Leading, supporting, and empowering a diverse and inclusive team of technicians and field engineers, fostering an environment of respect and belonging, and maintaining a safe workplace.
- Developing and implementing work plans that will accommodate changing working styles and requirements while meeting project milestones.
- Overseeing daily operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in all field activities.
- Providing technical guidance and supervising maintenance and repairs of the SKA-Low telescope.
- Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, promoting a respectful and collaborative work environment.
- Building and maintaining trust-based stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective communication with contractors and traditional owners.
- Supporting team development, career growth, and project success, while driving alignment with CSIRO and SKA Observatory’s core values.
Role particulars
Location and office arrangements: Geraldton, WA – Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) to Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, on a roster (4 days on/3 days off)
Salary: AU$118K – AU$127K per annum plus up to 15.4% superannuation + applicable site and overtime allowances
Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite; Full-Time, Part-Time or Job-Share
Reference: 103261
As the successful candidate, you will bring:
Essential
- Demonstrated relevant qualifications and/or equivalent experience across university education, technical training, trades, military service, or related hands-on operational roles.
- Proven experience in leading, supporting and empowering teams in industrial, scientific, construction or engineering environments.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and inspire a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience in implementing safety protocols and risk management strategies, preferably in remote or technical settings.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage team operations, preferably in remote and challenging environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and commercial software tools, with the ability to use them effectively in your role.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare clear documentation, briefings, and reports.
Desirable
- Experience working respectfully with Indigenous Australian people.
- Background in construction, electrical systems, electronics, or other fields relevant to the SKA-Low Telescope.
- Background and/or qualifications in Telecommunications or related field.
- A Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or equivalent experience) to help build and develop team capability.
For full details about this role, please review the Position Description.
Not sure if you meet all the criteria?
While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.
Setting you up for success
We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact the Talent Acquisition Partner via email (see details in the Position Description) and let us know how we can support you.
Eligibility
Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens, and Australian Permanent Residents.
Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.
The successful candidate will be required to undertake a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment medical examination prior to commencement. They will also be required to hold an Australian State/Territory issued light vehicle licence and be willing and ready to operate a 4WD.
Also due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate must be able to work safely in remote outdoor environments, walk on uneven terrain for extended periods, undertake frequent FIFO travel from Geraldton (4 days on/3 days off) via small aircraft, and safely lift and carry items of up to 10 kg.
Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.
Inclusion and belonging
Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.
CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.
Child safety
CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.
How to apply
Please apply online, and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.
Applications close
6 September 2026, 11:00pm AEST
We strongly encourage early applications as we will be reviewing applications as they come through. CSIRO reserves the right to close the advertising early if we find our desired candidate.
