Position Details
Technical Services – CSOF6
Role summary for potential applicants
Advertised Job Title:
MNF Science Operations Manager
Reference Number:
43221
Classification:
CSOF6
Salary Range:
AU $106K to AU $124K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location:
Hobart, TAS
Tenure:
Indefinite
Relocation assistance:
Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to:
Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents Only

Functional Area:
Technical Services
% Client Focus - Internal:
50%
% Client Focus - External:
50%
Reports to the:
Facilities Program Director
Number of Direct Reports:
6
Role Overview:
The Science Operations Manager (SOM) will provide a key contact for vessel users and manage the
Marine National Facility (MNF) Operations Team to provide services that support the safe and effective
operation of research voyages aboard the MNF RV Investigator and other vessels. The SOM will have
responsibility for providing advice to stakeholders; supporting the assessment panels during the
application process - in particular through provision of expert opinion on vessel and equipment
capability and operational constraints; developing the MNF research voyage schedule and managing its
implementation by their team of Operations Officers.
Duties and Key Result Areas:

Define the strategy for delivery of operational aspects of MNF business including
implementation of procedures and policies that provide a framework for the work of
operational personnel.

Responsible for the provision of appropriate advice to users and potential users on vessel
capabilities, equipment capabilities, technical support requirements, policies, procedures and
processes by determining and anticipating their needs. Communicate effectively and
respectfully with all staff, clients and suppliers in the interests of good business practice,
collaboration and enhancement of CSIRO’s reputation.
 Support and advise the assessment panels on operational, logistic and capability matters during
the application for sea time processes.
 Develop and manage efficient MNF research voyage schedules that include the highest ranked
applications possible, from the primary, supplementary and research charter processes.
 Ensure the highest practicable utilisation of Investigator’s capacity by enabling access through
the supplementary application and piggyback processes.

Direct and oversee the implementation of the MNF Research Schedule by the Operations Team
throughout the voyage planning process to deliver safe, efficient and successful voyages.
 Work with the CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Engineering & Technology Program to ensure
delivery of technical services, systems and equipment to the MNF, consistent with the service
agreement, to meet the objectives of each voyage.

Establish and lead an effective operations team by managing the achievement of key goals,
providing a positive working environment characterised by technical excellence, creativity,
innovation and flexibility and, as their immediate manager, support their development,
establish workplace culture and have a focus on Health, Safety and the Environment.

Encourage and enable the development of staff consistent with capability needs and the
optimal deployment of team resources and infrastructure.

Report to the MNF Facilities Program Director on all aspects of operation of the vessel: provide
specialist advice on applications, scheduling, stakeholder relations; convey MNF strategy and
Program goals to staff; identifying issues and opportunities for improvement across MNF
operations; representing MNF at internal and external forums.

Provides input into high level papers and reports to the MNF Director and MNF Steering
Committee as required.

Participate on occasions as on board Voyage Manager, especially if complex sampling
operations or charters are involved.

Choose appropriate management strategies and communication styles to maintain high levels of
motivation and productivity, giving feedback for development purposes and providing support
for improvement.

Direct resources taking calculated risks to achieve successful operational outcomes within tight
financial, HR and time constraints.

Act as an advocate for the MNF strategy as a key member of the MNF Management Team.

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
Essential Criteria:
1. Education/Qualifications: Strong science background coupled with a broad understanding of
maritime operations and the ability to translate these skills into successful blue-water research
voyages on the MNF Research Vessel Investigator and other chartered vessels as required.
2. Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to
identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support for contentious, proposals/ideas.
3. Behaviours: A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative
environment.
4. Adaptability: The ability to effectively manage a number of competing priorities simultaneously,
and carry out non-routine tasks under broad direction from the MNF Facilities Program Director.
5. Problem Solving: Proven ability to anticipate problems in ambiguous situations, develop
appropriate solutions based on thorough evaluation and interpretation, and defend the conclusions
with reasoned arguments.
6. Team Management: Ability to promote flexibility and change amongst direct reports and take
opportunities to overcome challenges that arise as a result of uncertainty. Demonstrated ability to
provide mentorship to promote professional growth and address succession.
As Australia’s Innovation Catalyst, CSIRO has strategic actions underpinned by behaviours aligned to:




Excellent science
Inclusion, trust & respect
Health, safety & environment
Delivery on commitments.
In your application and at interview you will need to demonstrate alignment with these behaviours.
Other special requirements:
To be eligible for this position you must be willing and able to participate on sea going research voyages
on the MNF Research Vessel Investigator and other chartered vessels as required.
Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at www.csiro.au/careers. You may be asked to provide additional
information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your
application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. 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: [email protected].
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:
Mr Don McKenzie via email: [email protected] or phone: +61 3 6232 5234
Please do not email your application directly to Mr McKenzie. 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.
We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work.
Find out more here!: Balance
About the Marine National Facility
Funded by the Australian Government, owned and operated by CSIRO under direction of an
independent Steering Committee, the Marine National Facility provides a blue-water research capability
to the Australian scientific community and their international collaborators.
The Marine National Facility is based at CSIRO’s Marine Laboratories in Hobart, Tasmania, which is also
home port for the research vessel. Since 2000, 348 applications totalling over 8,000 days at sea have
been applied for throughout all corners of Australia vast marine estate. This research obtained from
these voyages provides critical information to directly support government, industry and other
stakeholders in making evidence based decisions to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of
Australian marine industries.
The Marine National Facility has been a key element of Australia's national research infrastructure since
1984.
Research vessel
The 94m research vessel, Investigator, is available for multidisciplinary research in the oceans and seas
around Australia.
Investigator was commissioned in 2014-15 to replace the 66m Southern Surveyor. Investigator has a
greater range and can carry more scientific personnel than Southern Surveyor, enabling research to be
carried out to the Antarctic ice-edge.
Governance
The purpose of the Marine National Facility Steering Committee (MNFSC) is to assist the CSIRO Board to
fulfil its governance responsibilities through the provision of high level advice on the ongoing delivery of
ocean research capabilities for the nation.
The Marine National Facility comprises:

an ocean class research vessel Investigator

a package of scientific equipment and instrumentation

a collection of more than 30 years of marine data

the expertise required to manage an ocean going research platform and support vessel users

an independent Steering Committee and advisory committees to oversee the Facility
For further information about the Marine National Facility, visit our website at
http://www.mnf.csiro.au/