Hydrographic Surveyor

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

• Play a key role in supporting Australia’s world-class marine research programs
• Combine your passion for the ocean with hands-on hydrographic and geophysical survey work
• Experience the adventure of up to 85 days per year at sea aboard the RV Investigator – with additional voyage allowances

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.

The opportunity 

If you are a technically skilled surveyor who thrives on adventure and precision, this is your chance to make an impact at the forefront of marine science.

As a Hydrographic Surveyor within CSIRO’s National Collections and Marine Infrastructures’ (NCMI) Geophysical Survey & Mapping (GSM) team, you will work as part of Australia’s leading ocean research capability, supporting hydrographic and marine geophysical data collection across blue-water and coastal environments.

Based in Hobart, you will be part of the Marine Survey and Measurement Group. You will contribute across the full survey lifecycle from voyage planning and equipment preparation, to data acquisition, processing, and interpretation - helping deliver the essential data that drives world-class marine science.

This is a diverse, hands-on role for someone who enjoys both technical precision and fieldwork. It is an opportunity to develop new skills, contribute to nationally significant research, and be part of a team that’s mapping the future of Australia’s oceans.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Conducting hydrographic and marine geophysical surveys using a range of instruments, including echosounders, sub-bottom profilers, and magnetometers.
• Maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving survey equipment, systems, and workflows.
• Processing, interpreting, and visualising bathymetric and geophysical datasets to produce mapping and GIS products.
• Supporting sea-going operations (up to 85 days per year), including voyage preparation, equipment setup, and data management.
• Providing technical advice, mentoring, and collaboration within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Preparing documentation, technical reports, and presentations that communicate survey results and data quality.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Role particulars

• Location and office arrangements: Hobart, Tasmania  
• Salary: AU$96k – AU$109k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuation plus additional seagoing allowance
• Tenure & work schedule:  Indefinite, full time. Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.
• Reference: 101558

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Science or a related discipline, with proven experience in hydrographic or marine geophysical surveying.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex datasets and equipment systems.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse research and operational teams.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach with proven problem-solving ability.
• Willingness and capacity to travel and undertake sea-going operations for extended periods.

Desirable

• Familiarity with marine geophysical data (e.g. gravity, magnetic, sub-bottom profiler, acoustic).
• Experience using GIS tools or programming languages such as Python.
• Small vessel experience and/or land survey familiarity.
• Certification (or interest in certification) with the Australasian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel (AHSCP).

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

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please Vicki Ferrar (vicki.ferrar@csiro.au) and let us know how we can support you.  

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. 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 Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility 

Applications for this position are open to Australian / New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents only.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and you must be willing and able to work at sea and to travel extensively in order to provide operational support in domestic or foreign ports (up to 85 days per year of seagoing support on voyages that are typically 2 to 6 weeks in duration but can be as long as 8.5 weeks).

Due to the specific nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to obtain an MNF remote medical clearance (post-commencement) and a Marine Security Identification Card (MSIC).

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.

Please note that applications will be reviewed in December and interviews will be conducted in January 2026.

Applications close 

Wednesday 3 December, 11:59pm AEDT