Position Details
Technical Services – CSOF3
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
Seagoing Hydrochemist (2 positions)
Reference Number:
4393
Classification:
CSOF3
Salary Range:
AU $59k to AU $75k plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Hobart, Tasmania
Indefinite OR
Tenure:
Relocation assistance:
Specified Term of 2 years
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
All Candidates
Applications are open to: 
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For Specified Term positions, we will accept applications from Temporary Residents with
working rights for the length of the term, who do not require sponsorship.
Functional Area:
Technical Services
Number of Direct Reports:
0
Reports to the:
Group Leader
Role Overview:
This role is for a Hydrochemist to work within CSIRO’s Oceans and Atmosphere (OA) Hydrochemistry
Team.
The Hydrochemistry Team provides specialised analytical chemistry services to Australia’s Marine
National Facility (MNF) and to scientific research programs, as well as supporting the scientific
operations of the MNF Research Vessel RV Investigator. For more information about OA and the MNF,
please see the bottom of this document.
The work involves participation in scientific research voyages and other field operations to collect and
analyse samples predominantly for nutrients, salinity and dissolved oxygen. It also involves
development and maintenance of analytical procedures used by the team.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
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Participate in scientific research voyages and contribute to the achievement of the research
objectives by carrying out analytical work to a very high standard under sometimes difficult
conditions with minimum supervision.
Collect and analyse seawater samples for a variety of nutrient species including nitrate, nitrite,
ammonia, phosphate and silicate, and salinity and dissolved oxygen whilst at sea.
Analyse and process analytical results through application of specific quality control and quality
assurance procedures at sea.
Under technical direction, provide support for the sampling operations of the CTD systems
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(conductivity, temperature and depth profiler) and various other instruments.
Under technical direction, maintain sampling equipment, and maintain and calibrate analytical
equipment in the laboratory and on research vessels.
Under technical direction, perform routine analyses of samples in the labs and assist with
preparation for research voyages.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good
business practice, collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary, often regionally dispersed research team, to carry out tasks
under general direction of Senior Technical and Research staff.
Work collaboratively with colleagues within your team, the business unit and across CSIRO, to reach
objectives.
Provide instruction on activities pertaining to the immediate work area and responsibilities, as
required.
Adapt and/ or develop techniques, procedures/equipment/ concepts/ideas in support of existing
and further research.
Adhere to the spirit and practice of CSIRO’s Values, Health, Safety and Environment plans and
policies, Diversity initiatives and Zero Harm goals.
Other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
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Education/Qualifications: Tertiary study in chemistry (e.g. BSc) or equivalent experience in
chemistry with an emphasis on analytical chemistry and/or marine chemistry.
Communication: Ability to communicate in a fluent and courteous manner, both orally and in
writing, offering factual information supported by proven data, and providing appropriate feedback
when required.
Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
Essential Criteria:
1. Ability to provide a high level of technical support at sea up to 85 days per year on voyages which
are typically 3 to 6 weeks duration.
2. Demonstrated capacity to use quality control and quality assurance procedures to monitor the
accuracy and precision of methods and instrumentation used in the analysis of a range of chemical
species.
3. Ability to use computers as control platforms for instrumentation used in chemical analysis, data
entry, data manipulation, analysis of scientific results and to produce documentation and reports.
4. The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously, while working
effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team and carry out tasks
under general direction.
5. The ability & willingness to contribute novel ideas and approaches in support of scientific
investigations combined with the ability to investigate routine problems by identifying and
considering the implications of a range of available alternative solutions.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and Matlab.
2.
Experience with the following instruments: segmented flow analysis systems, flow injection analysis
systems, auto-titrators, salinometers, spectrophotometers and fluorometers.
CSIRO is a values based organisation. You will need to demonstrate behaviours aligned to our values
of:
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Integrity of Excellent Science
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Trust & Respect
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Creative Spirit
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Delivering on Commitments
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Health, Safety & Sustainability
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to:
1. Obtain a Certificate of Medical Fitness to a standard required for working in remote regions as
defined by the MNF, and a Maritime Security Identification Card.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Sea Safety Training issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in
accordance with Marine Orders Part 3.
3. Work at sea and to travel extensively in order to provide operational support in domestic or foreign
ports. This may be either professionally or recreationally demonstrated.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. To apply for this position you will be
required to submit your resume and a cover letter of up to two pages expressing your interest in the role
and broadly addressing your suitability. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested
may not be considered.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you.
Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au.
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or
academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact
Andreas Marouchos by email at andreas.marouchos@csiro.au or by phone at 03 6232 5433.
Please do not email your application directly to Andreas Marouchos. Applications received via this
method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas,
technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments,
industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more! www.csiro.au.
CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere
CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, is Australia's national science
agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. In the environment
area, CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere (OA) conducts climate, marine and earth systems research which is
used to assist in Australia’s national and global sustainable development.
OA’s Hobart headquarters are home to approximately 400 staff and visiting scientists. The Hobart
facility includes a deep water port which opens to the Southern Ocean and is home to the Marine
National Facility. Funded by the Australian Government, the Marine National Facility (MNF) is a bluewater research capability, which is owned and operated by CSIRO under direction of an independent
Steering Committee. The MNF comprises:
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A blue-water research capability, 94 metre Research Vessel RV Investigator
A suite of scientific equipment and instrumentation,
A collection of more than 27 years of marine data, and
The expertise and systems required to manage blue-water research and support research vessel
users.
The Facility is available to all Australian scientists and their international collaborators, with voyages
granted on the basis of proposals that are internationally peer reviewed and independently assessed for
science quality and contribution to the national interest. In 2014, Southern Surveyor was replaced by a
new vessel, Investigator. This new state of the art 93.9 metre purpose built research vessel brings
enhanced capabilities and heralds a new era of marine and atmospheric research for Australian
scientists.
It carries up to 40 scientists and support staff, on voyages up to 60 days; from the tropics to the
Antarctic ice-edge. Investigator is capable of spending 300 days a year at sea, supporting activities
across a range of disciplines in oceanographic, climate, geological, fisheries and ecosystem research. The
vessel’s design features a core backbone of permanently fitted sampling and data acquisition systems
including winches, acoustic mapping and environmental monitoring equipment.
Research teams can add further equipment such as radiation and trace metal laboratories, deep-water
dredging, coring and drilling equipment, fishing nets, towed camera systems and remotely operated
vehicles. Researchers can also integrate vessel-acquired data with data from satellite sensors,
autonomous vehicles and shore based models in real time.