Data Officer

• APS 5 - $84,794 - $93,020 per annum plus superannuation
• Australian Antarctic Division
• Various Locations

• Data Officers maintain the data pipeline downstream from science data acquisition systems and are responsible for ensuring that data from the individual science systems on Australia's icebreaker, RSV Nuyina is effectively managed, curated and archived with the Australian Antarctic Data Centre.
• This role supports Australian Antarctic Program researchers by responding to data collection and management queries.
• When deployed on a voyage, in addition to the regular salary this position will receive Antarctic allowance or Extra At Sea Allowance, whichever is applicable under the DCCEEW Enterprise Agreement.

Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.

These goals are to:

• maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
• protect the Antarctic environment
• understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
• undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan. It provides research and advice to support Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. The branch manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. It provides scientific advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies, and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.

Within the Science Branch, this role is based in the Australian Antarctic Data Centre (AADC) which provides long-term management of Australia's Antarctic data and access to information, thereby improving the value and impact of the scientific activities conducted under the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP). The Data Centre is committed to the exchange of scientific data, consistent with the Antarctic Treaty. The AADC blends data management and scientific domain expertise with skills in computing, application development, information management and geographic information systems. The AADC works collaboratively with national and international centres, networks, and scientists, providing data management, and actively engaging in scientific research. As Australia's Antarctic Mapping agency, the AADC also supports the logistical operations of the Australian Antarctic Program.

The Job

• Conducting data management activities (i.e. file management, directory management, ensuring data provenance is captured, generating metadata as appropriate) at Head Office and as a part of marine scientific voyages aboard the AAD’s Icebreaker RSV Nuyina.
• Proactively monitor data streams and identify and solve problems as they arise.
• Developing computer scripts to assist with data management and transfer requirements.
• Assisting Science Technical Support staff in ensuring that scientific data streams are appropriately captured and stored on disk and in databases.
• Performing quality assurance and quality control checks as a part of data collection activities.
• Consulting with researchers to identify data requirements for projects.
• Assisting with additional AADC responsibilities as required.

We currently have one non-ongoing opportunity available for immediate filling. A merit pool for filling the same or similar position in any location in Australia may be established at the conclusion of this selection process.

What you'll gain from the experience

• Contribute to supporting the scientific and operational objectives of the Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP).
• Support scientific voyage data collection and management aboard the Australia’s icebreaker, RSV Nuyina.
• Ability to work remotely when not rostered on voyages or participating in voyage pre-departure training on-site at the Australian Antarctic Division’s Head Office, Kingston TAS.

What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

• An understanding of Linux operating systems, RHEL or Rocky.
• Skills in Python, influxDB, fluentD, PostgreSQL, html/javascript, and RESTful APIs using postgREST, or ability to develop skills.
• Experience with cloud-based data storage solutions (e.g., AWS S3), or ability to develop skills.
• Excellent client service skills, including a demonstrated ability to deliver assistance for researchers, and manage expectations within a technologically changing environment.
• Proven high level communication skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively with clients and stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Sound judgement and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team as well as independently.
• Understanding of data governance principles and practices, including data privacy, security and compliance.

Please note, the successful applicant will be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they will be expected to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments.

They will need to:

• demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environment
• demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment
• be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD’s Polar Medicine Unit.

Eligibility
Mandatory qualifications

• A degree or diploma relevant to the role from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas institution, or demonstrated equivalent experience.

Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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