ROLE DESCRIPTION
STREAM E (ASO1–ASO2, OPS1–OPS2, TGO0-TGO1)
ROLE TITLE:
Casual Assistant, Mammalogy
AGENCY:
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
CLASSIFICATION:
OPS2
DIVISION:
South Australian Museum
ROLE NUMBER:
AR0391
BUSINESS UNIT: Science, Mammalogy
REPORTS TO: Senior Researcher, Mammals, Catherine Kemper
ROLES REPORTING TO THIS ROLE:
The Casual Assistant reports to the Senior Researcher, Mammals or the Collection Manager, David
Stemmer for work undertaken at the Bolivar Maceration Facility. Professional advice may be taken from
colleagues within Biological Sciences. May coordinate the activities of volunteers, other temporary staff
members and students.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Casual Assistant, Mammalogy, is accountable to the Senior Researcher, Mammalogy, South Australian Museum for the collection management of specimens and data as they relate to research projects that are
primarily focussed on marine mammals and when at the Bolivar Maceration Facility is accountable to the Collection Manager, Mammalogy, South Australian Museum for the preparation and incorporation of specimens
in the South Australian Museum’s Vertebrate Collections.
KEY OUTCOMES OF ROLE:
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Working with volunteers on the preparation of vertebrate specimens
Ensuring the record-keeping of specimens and facility-related documents is maintained and up-to-date
and accurate.
Assisting with sampling specimens during marine vertebrate post-mortems.
Assisting with the day-to-day management and reporting of the Biological Sciences collections at
Bolivar.
Ensure that specified items of equipment are maintained in good order)
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Assisting with the storage of collections in a manner that promotes their long- term well-being.
Responsible for Data entry for vertebrate specimens.
Assisting with limited research programs related to the collections.
Liase with contractors when appropriate.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS:
 Collection Manager, Mammalogy
 Principal Research Scientist, Mammalogy
 Collections/Research collective
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
 Occasional intra-state travel may be necessary. Out of hours work may also be required. A current driver’s licence is required.
 The Agency is a smoke free workplace.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
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Some knowledge of museum collection management practices
Some knowledge of the role of cultural institutions, museums, most desirably in the areas of
research.
Some experience in dissecting and preparing vertebrate specimens.
Some experience with Biological Sciences collection management.
Some experience with collecting data from vertebrate carcasses
Some experience with data management in the SAM collections database
Some experience in dealing with work and public contacts courteously and effectively with good
interpersonal skills and the flexibility to carry out a number of tasks, often with overlapping schedules.
Ability to work as part of a team or on one’s own with self-motivation to complete routine tasks with
minimal supervision
CORE COMPETENCIES & ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOURS EXPECTED AT THIS CLASSIFICATION:
Understands the Big Picture
Recognises how they contribute to the big picture
Understands and supports business objectives
Adapts to a changing environment
Demonstrates an awareness and solves everyday problems that may impact on own designated work
tasks
Is aware of both internal and external factors and influences that may affect own work outcomes
Achieves Results
Makes effective use of own capabilities
Monitors and evaluates available information correctly to deliver the best results
Understands how work practices are governed by Public Sector legislation, regulations and policies
Is responsive and completes tasks within set timelines
Contributes own expertise to achieve outcomes for the business unit
Embraces Business Excellence
DPC VALUES:
DPC’s Values support the achievement of our objectives and build a high performing workplace. We will:
 Put our customers and citizens at the centre of our decision making (Service)
 Encourage and support innovation (Innovation)
 Respect and value our people and ensure their safety and wellbeing (Respect)
 Take pride in our organisation, our work and ourselves (Professionalism)
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for:
 Keeping accurate and complete records of business activities in accordance with the State
Records Act 1997.
 Maintaining a commitment to the Public Sector Act 2009, Ethical Conduct and the legislative
requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
 Supporting and advocating Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and diversity in the workplace
in accordance with EEO legislation. In particular, maintaining a commitment to promote an
inclusive workplace in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under
represented groups.
Displays a ‘can do’ attitude and is open to change
Understands and analyses what information is important and how it should be used.
Is responsive to learning opportunities and works towards agreed performance standards. Takes positive
action following constructive feedback
Committed to delivery of strong customer service by understanding needs
Provides support to effective financial monitoring, and adheres to procurement and contract procedures
Develops Positive Working Relationships
Listens to and considers different ideas and discusses issues with consideration and care.
Acts sensitively and constructively in conflict situations to prevent escalating the problem.
Shares information and contributes to team discussions
Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients
Communicates messages clearly and concisely
Understands the Need for Professionalism
Adopts behaviour consistent with the principles, values and ethics of the organisation
Provides accurate advice and acknowledges mistakes and learns from them
Works as directed to achieve objectives in difficult circumstances remaining positive and responding in a
calm manner
Seeks feedback from others. Is aware of how behaviour impacts on others. Seeks self development
opportunities
Understands, values and responds to diversity and treats people with respect and courtesy
Maintains safe work practices and wellbeing of self and others