• APS Level 6, Non-Ongoing 2 years
• $90,199 - $101,022 + 15.4% super
• Exmouth, WA

The Learmonth Solar Observatory (LSO) was established by agreement between the Australian and United States Governments in October 1977. The joint operation of the Observatory is conducted by the Space Weather Network (SWN) team within the Bureau of Meteorology as an Australian cooperating government agency, and the United States Air Force (USAF) as the United States of America cooperating government agency. The Observatory is located on North-West Cape, Western Australia and the site overlooks Exmouth Gulf to the east and Cape Range to the west. The Observatory is staffed seven days a week from sunrise to sunset by the USAF operations team, and on weekdays by the SWN staff.

The LSO hosts a multitude of instruments, including:

• an absolute magnetometer and other geomagnetic sensors and receivers;
• passive radio spectrograph receive antennas, which are used to monitor solar radio bursts;
• a Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) solar optical telescope, which provides data for solar helioseismological studies;
• an optical system and supporting infrastructure to monitor sunspots and solar activity;
• a radio receiver system with three parabolic antennas to monitor solar radio flux;
• Nexion and 6A ionospheric Vertical Incidence Sounder high frequency radars.

Space Weather Network (SWN) are seeking applications for an APS6/TO4 technical officer to support Bureau operations at the LSO. To operate effectively as a Technical Officer (TO4) you will undertake moderate to very complex operational, administrative and network support tasks. Whilst working under the general guidance of the Manager of the Space Weather Network, the role will be significantly autonomous in the delivery of the Officer in Charge functions.

The successful candidate will utilise assertive communication skills and collaborate closely with the USAF Commander in order to maintain operations at the LSO to a high standard and support diplomatic relations with a foreign military. You will be responsible for working with national and international stakeholders on technical aspects, reviewing and contributing to working documentation, conducting tours of the facility by stakeholders, and providing technical expertise on the future operation and development of the facility. The successful applicant will lead a small cooperative and flexible team; be able to self-manage workload and work with limited supervision; have a high level of attention to detail; undertake independent learning in solar physics and on-the-job training in complex analysis and operation of the solar telescopes; and undertake first-level maintenance on Bureau-owned and 3rd party instruments.

You will be tasked with additional Space Weather Network duties appropriate to the role including procurement and recruitment. You will provide support, facilitate knowledge sharing and encourage a network-wide, consistent approach to practices and systems of work.

LSO staff provide local operational support, facility management and first-in maintenance for the Learmonth Meteorological Office and Cape Range radar. It is expected that, as a TO4 Technical Officer, you will provide professional and consistent operational support, especially regarding time-critical assets.

The successful candidate will need to comply with all relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance pertinent to your work, and ensure that all staff at the LSO do the same, especially with regard to HSE.
The TO4 will have management responsibility for TO3 level staff and will report to the Space Weather Network Manager.