ASKAP HSE Technical Assistant and Advisor

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Support HSE across world-class radio astronomy infrastructure
• Tackle practical safety challenges across diverse operational environments
• Join a collaborative team supporting ASKAP and remote site operations.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. Visit CSIRO.au for more information. 

About the Australia Telescope National Facility

With over 200 staff, we operate several radio astronomy observatories and data archives collectively known as the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF), the only facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Our technology development program is the cornerstone of the ATNF and is an internationally recognised source of innovative radio astronomy instrumentation. The ATNF has been involved with the international SKA project from its inception, and our ATNF locations, telescopes and engineering expertise are in an excellent position to support and extend the science goals of the SKA telescopes over the next decade. 

The ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit, and together we aim to enable humanity to understand our Earth and Universe. Visit the Australia Telescope National Facility - CSIRO for more information.

Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory

Our observatory on Wajarri Yamaji Country in remote Western Australia is home to our ASKAP radio telescope as well as other international radio astronomy projects, including the SKA Observatory's SKA-Low telescope. ASKAP has 36 dish antennas that work together as one telescope and generate data at the rate of 100 trillion bits per second – more data at a faster rate than Australia’s entire internet traffic. Science programs with ASKAP are delivering exciting new results, including mapping jets powered by black holes, discovering a million new galaxies and finding clues to the origin of fast radio bursts. Visit the ASKAP radio telescope - CSIRO for more information.

The opportunity:

Join CSIRO Space & Astronomy and play an important role in supporting the safe operation of some of Australia’s most distinctive radio astronomy infrastructure. As the ASKAP HSE Technical Assistant and Advisor, you’ll provide practical, hands-on HSE advice and coordination across the ASKAP telescope, Murchison Support Facility and Boolardy Accommodation Facility, helping foster a proactive safety culture across a diverse and geographically dispersed team.

Based in Geraldton, this is an opportunity to combine your HSE expertise with practical site-based safety activities in a unique operational and research environment. You’ll work closely with technical teams, contractors and HSE colleagues, contributing to risk management, safe work practices, training and emergency preparedness. Regular travel to Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, will give you first-hand exposure to a nationally significant, world-class observatory and the distinctive challenges of supporting operations in a remote environment.

If you are a proactive and practical HSE professional who enjoys working closely with people, solving real-world safety challenges and contributing to a positive safety culture, this could be the opportunity for you. You’ll bring strong attention to detail, sound safety knowledge and a collaborative approach, with the confidence to engage effectively with staff, contractors and a range of stakeholders. You’ll also be comfortable working across diverse operational environments, including regular travel to a remote site, and motivated by the opportunity to support unique and nationally significant research infrastructure.

Your duties will include: 

• Provide practical HSE advice and support to ASKAP and BAF teams, helping implement CSIRO’s HSE priorities and maintain safe work practices.
• Develop, review and maintain risk assessments and safe work instructions, identifying hazards and recommending practical solutions to manage workplace risks.
• Support the management of hazards, near misses and incidents, including reporting, follow-up actions and participation in safety and emergency management activities.
• Coordinate safety inductions and HSE training for staff, contractors and visitors, including safety requirements associated with VIP and other site visits.
• Undertake practical site safety activities, including inspections of working-at-heights and lifting equipment and maintaining first aid, medical and emergency equipment.
• Promote a positive safety culture by providing HSE updates, sharing knowledge and collaborating with Space & Astronomy and corporate HSE colleagues.

A few important details:

Location: Geraldton, WA (Nhanhangardi, Naaguja, Wilynyu and Amangu Country).

The role requires frequent travel, typically of 5 days duration, to the Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, our Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, a nationally recognised, world-class observatory, 350km N-E of Geraldton, in Wajarri country

Salary: AU$100k - AU$113k per annum plus 15.4% super and applicable site allowance.

Tenure & work schedule: Indefinite, full-time or part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE prorate for part-time)

Job Reference Number: 104552

To be considered:

• Relevant trade certificate/diploma/bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Health, Safety & Environment, Risk Management or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and promote a strong safety culture in teams with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Extensive experience in providing support and direction for others through coaching and supporting staff and fostering open communication and strong collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, including clear and concise presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify hazards and risks in a variety of real-world work environments and recommend practical, effective solutions to mitigate risks. 
• Commitment to safe work practices, environmental sustainability and the principles of equity and diversity.
• A current Australian driver’s licence and willingness to travel to other CSIRO ATNF sites.

For full details about this role and all criteria, please review the Position Description. 

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Inclusion and belonging

As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

29 November 2026, 11:00 pm AEDT