Data Officer

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is hiring a Data Officer for the Australian Antarctic Division in Kingston TAS, Australia. The role involves data management activities, monitoring data streams, developing scripts, ensuring data quality, and consulting with researchers. The position supports Australia’s Antarctic Program and requires collaboration with national and international scientists, emphasizing the importance of Antarctic data management.
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.