Senior Technical Officer (Australian Plant Phenomics Network - APPN)

Work with the latest technology in a growing field

Be part of a national network of 100+ experts driving agricultural innovation

Make a real impact on sustainable farming and food production in Australia

The Role

• Full Time, Fixed Term (until June 2028)
• Level 7 - $101,421 to $110,819 p.a. (plus 17% superannuation)
• Wagga Wagga (On-site) + regular travel required

Charles Sturt University is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Technical Officer to lead the technical operations of the University's Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) Node. This is a unique opportunity to support national research in plant phenomics and contribute to solving critical agricultural challenges.

In this role, you'll be responsible for managing and maintaining advanced plant phenotyping platforms, including drones and ground sensors. You'll support researchers in using the technology safely and effectively, while ensuring smooth operations from data collection to meeting CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) compliance requirements. You'll also work closely with data scientists to manage and visualise research data, train users on the equipment, and oversee procurement and budgeting to keep everything on track.

At Charles Sturt University, you’ll be part of a dynamic institution that’s shaping the future of agriculture through cutting edge research and national collaboration. Our AgriPark facility in Wagga Wagga hosts a dedicated node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), a prestigious national initiative driving advancements in plant science and sustainable farming. Here you will be connected to over 100 staff through nine research infrastructure nodes. 

About You

You are a technically proficient and collaborative professional with:

• Experience in managing complex technical systems, ideally in agricultural or environmental research
• Strong understanding of UAV operations and sensor technologies
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Must hold a Class C driver's license

As part of this recruitment, a pre-employment functional screening is required.

About Us

We are a university of the land and people of our regions. True to the character of regional Australia we have gumption, we have soul and we collaborate with others. We develop holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish.

The Wiradjuri phrase yindyamarra winhanganha means the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This phrase represents who we are at Charles Sturt University – our ethos. It comes from traditional Indigenous Australian knowledge, but it also speaks to the mission of universities – to develop and spread wisdom to make the world a better place.

Harnessing technology, we thrive as a distributed yet connected community, welcoming and engaging with people across Australia and the world.

Learn more about AgriPark here.

Visit our website to learn about our great range of employee benefits.

Charles Sturt University is committed to building a diverse workforce as shown through our Athena Swan Bronze Award, our Australian Workplace Equality Index Bronze Award and our membership of a range of diversity focused organisations including Diversity Council Australia and Pride in Diversity. We encourage applications from First Nations people, carers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people of all age groups, genders and sexualities for all roles.

To Apply

Click the Apply button and complete the application form online and upload your CV. You will be expected to answer the following three (3) targeted questions;

1. Tell us about your experience in plant phenotyping, remote sensing, or similar technical environments.
2. Describe your experience managing technical projects and leading interdisciplinary teams.
3. Tell us about your proficiency with using advanced phenotyping equipment and sensor technologies (e.g., RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR).

This position is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents; or applicants who hold a current valid work visa commensurate with this position.

Further Information

• Additional information is available in the position description or by contacting:
• Recruitment specific enquiries: Rebecca Dwyer | Talent Acquisition Consultant | redwyer@csu.edu.au
• Role specific enquiries: Nelson West | APPN Node Manager | nwest@csu.edu.au
• Closing Date: 11pm, 1 October 2025