Technical Officer Space Weather

About the role

The Learmonth Solar Observatory (LSO) is a joint operation between the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the United States Air Force, established in 1977. Located on North-West Cape, Western Australia, the Observatory hosts a range of instruments, including solar radio flux monitors, radio spectrographs, optical telescopes, geomagnetic sensors, a GONG solar optical telescope, and a 6A ionosonde. The successful applicant will join the LSO team as a Technical Officer Level 3 (TO3) for a non-ongoing period of 36 months (term negotiable).

The role requires on-site operation of equipment at the Observatory, with no remote work option available. You will work in a cooperative and flexible team environment, self-manage your workload, and operate with limited supervision. The position involves participating in a minimum of two solar observation shifts per week, commencing about 30 minutes before sunrise or concluding about 20 minutes after sunset.

Responsibilities

• Undertake self-driven learning in solar phenomena and on-the-job training in complex analysis and operation of solar telescopes.
• Participate in solar observation shifts, including early morning or late evening work.
• Provide local technical, first-in maintenance, and administrative support for meteorological observing systems at the Learmonth Meteorological Station and other nearby facilities.
• Assist National Observing Operations under the guidance of the LSO Technical Officer-In-Charge (TO4) and Manage: Observing Advisory Unit.
• Maintain outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including liaising with internal and external stakeholders, such as a foreign military, while upholding diplomatic relations to a high standard.
• Apply the principles and practices of the Bureau's Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Commitment as necessary.
• Undertake shift work and be available to commence as soon as possible after selection.

Requirements

• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and flexible team environment with limited supervision.
• Willingness to undertake self-driven learning and on-the-job training.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Availability for shift work, including early morning or late evening shifts.
• Experience with electronics and/or radio systems is highly regarded.

Training and Support

Training and support will be provided on space weather infrastructure, associated systems, and the Bureau's procedures to the successful applicant.