Trades Assistant

Trades Assistant / HSE Advisor – Australia Telescope National Facility (Start ASAP) 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 Exceptional opportunity to work in a dual role as a Mechanical trades assistant with added Health, Safety and Environment specialisation. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive workplace with options for full‑time or part‑time work in regional NSW, typically Mon‑Fri, 8 am–4 pm. Support Australia’s iconic Murriyang, CSIRO’s Parkes radio telescope which produces world‑leading space and astronomy research. About CSIRO As Australia’s national scientific agency, CSIRO solves the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Its 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, ATNF operates several radio‑astronomy observatories and data archives. Our technology‑development programme is the cornerstone of ATNF and an internationally recognised source of innovative radio‑astronomy instrumentation. ATNF is part of CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit and is involved from its inception with the international SKA project. About Parkes Observatory The Parkes Observatory, located 380 km from Sydney and 20 km from Parkes in NSW, hosts Murriyang, our Parkes radio telescope. While primarily an astronomy instrument, Murriyang also has a history of working with NASA and other agencies to track spacecraft. The film “The Dish” was based on the telescope’s role in the Apollo 11 Moon mission of 1969. The Opportunity We seek a Trades Assistant to join the Parkes Observatory Operations team. This role supports the on‑site technical team across mechanical, electrical, and electronics support. Prior HSE experience is a distinct advantage. Key Duties for Both Levels Undertake routine maintenance tasks, such as lubrication, oil and grease sampling, and service inspections, and provide fault‑finding support for mechanical and electromechanical systems. Maintain accurate maintenance logs, mark‑up engineering drawings, and update documentation. Assist with maintaining stores, workshop and laboratories. Assist in identifying and implementing preventive maintenance routines and safe work procedures. Assist in site activities, including telescope equipment changes and general site support to ensure safe and efficient observatory operations. Occasional travel to other CSIRO sites may be required for periods up to a week. Support and foster the Parkes Observatory health and safety culture. Additional Duties for HSE Specialist Promote workplace safety by adhering to HSE policies and procedures, including PPE usage and hazard reporting. Conduct safety checks on equipment and workspaces to identify risks and ensure compliance with regulations. Assist in incident reporting and investigation processes, helping document and communicate findings. Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, safety inspections, and compliance logs. Participate in toolbox talks and safety briefings. Liaise with CSIRO corporate HSE support and communicate changes and new expectations to the Parkes Observatory team. Role Particulars Location: Parkes (Regional) New South Wales (Wiradjuri Country) Salary: CSOF3 (Trades Assistant or HSE Advisor/Specialist): AU$76k‑AU$96k per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time) plus 15.4% superannuation. CSOF4 (Trades Assistant with HSE Specialisation): AU$100k‑AU$113k per annum plus 15.4% superannuation and on‑call allowances. Tenure & work schedule: 3‑year term, full‑time or part‑time (minimum 0.8 FTE). Mon‑Fri 8 am–4 pm. Reference: Essential Criteria for Both Roles Demonstrated industrial experience as a trade assistant contributing to maintenance and operation of mechanical systems, hydraulics, gearboxes, diesel generators, and hoists. Evidence of fault‑finding and diagnosis of issues, including interpretation of documentation and drawings. High level of interpersonal skills, respectful and collaborative, building trust, listening, common‑ground discussions. Good written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to utilise computer software packages for general correspondence and documentation updates. Desirable Experience in mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, or welding and fabrication trades. Working at Heights certificate and Heights Rescue Training certificate. Relevant licences or willingness to obtain upon employment: General Construction induction (White Card), Elevated Work Platform License (HRW‑WP), Forklift License (Class LF), Medium Ridged (MR) Truck License. Additional Criteria for HSE Advisor Previous work experience in mechanical or industrial settings, in a support role with HSE coordination. Demonstrated understanding of WHS regulations and safe work practices. Strong awareness of safety protocols and environmental standards. Ability to report hazards and participate in safety investigations or audits. First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain upon employment. Eligibility Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment is subject to a national police check and may be subject to other security, medical or character requirements. Child Safety CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programmes. View our Child Safe Policy. How to Apply Please apply online and provide a CV and a detailed cover letter (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role. Attach your selection criteria responses to your cover letter as one document. Applications Close 30 November 2025, 11:00 pm AEDT Inclusion and Belonging CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award. CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research unit is also awarded the Gold Pleiades Award for inclusion, diversity, and equity in astronomy. We are an equal employment opportunity organisation committed to building diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. #J-18808-Ljbffr