AARNet is seeking a dedicated Field Design & Land Access Officer to conduct boots-on-the ground route investigations, pre design scoping, land access negotiations and associated activities as we work with Landowners, local communities and other regional stakeholders in the delivery of our national infrastructure projects. The role will require regular and consistent travel to various regional areas within the Eastern States of Australia with the possibility of other states as needed where you will deploy your exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate with impacted landowners. Excellent communication skills will ensure you are comfortable representing AARNet in the route investigation, pre design and land engagement process as we expand our network nationally. About AARNet Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education. As Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users — researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums — across Australia. We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don’t settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, why not come and join us? https://www.aarnet.edu.au/ Role Purpose AARNet is seeking two dedicated Field Design & Land Access Officers to support the delivery of our national infrastructure projects. This hands-on role involves route investigations, pre-design scoping, land access negotiations, and engagement with landowners, local communities, and regional stakeholders. The position requires regular travel across regional areas in the Eastern States, with potential for interstate work as projects demand. You will draw on your strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trust, collaborate effectively with impacted landowners, and represent AARNet professionally throughout the design and access process. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the expansion of AARNet’s national network, ensuring land access is secured and community relationships are managed with care and respect. The role will require regular and consistent travel to various regional areas within the Eastern States of Australia with the possibility of other states as needed where you will deploy your exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate with impacted landowners. Excellent communication skills will ensure you are comfortable representing AARNet in the route investigation, pre design and land engagement process as we expand our network nationally. As Field Design & Land Access Officer , you will encounter a wide variety of landowners and stakeholders. Your ability to deliver clear and concise messaging both, internally and externally, will be essential to your success in this role as you strive to ensure workable outcomes are achieved for AARNet. Your experience in route design, construction methodologies and conflict resolution will empower you to lead negotiations with impacted landholders and realise and resolve issues where required. Your commitment to achieve positive outcomes with landowners and other key stakeholders will allow AARNet to successfully deliver the next generation of telecommunications network to Australia’s academic and research sector. Key Accountabilities At AARNet, all employees are accountable for: Actively promoting safe work practices in the workplace during all activities consistent with AARNet’s policies and comply with all WH&S legislation, policies and procedures. Actively contributes to a safe and supportive working environment that is inclusive of all staff through celebrating their nationality, cultural background, LGBTI status, abilities, gender and age. In this role, your main responsibilities are: As Field Design & Land Access Officer, you will coordinate and deliver all activities related to design scoping and land access engagement for AARNet’s fibre infrastructure projects. Your responsibilities will include: Route Investigation & Design Scoping Undertake field-based investigations to scope and define proposed optical fibre routes. Support the development of project design by identifying route options, risks, and constraints. Land Access & Stakeholder Engagement Conduct land access surveys, site investigations, and related project development activities across Australia, ranging in size and complexity. Apply knowledge of land tenure, property access, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement to build effective strategies with landholders. Act as the primary on-site representative of AARNet, engaging professionally with landowners and stakeholders to negotiate outcomes that support project objectives. Manage all aspects of landowner engagement, including first contact, negotiations, and ongoing communication throughout the project lifecycle. Regulatory & Compliance Apply the principles of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and Low-Impact Facility Using the principles of Telecommunications Act to deliver positive & commercially viable outcomes for AARNet as fibre construction projects are planned and delivered across Australia General Utilising core AARNet technology to support the project tasks including (but not limited to) Word, Excel, Visio, Jira, Confluence, Zoom, Google Earth Producing reporting and documentation on land access project activities Proactively identifying areas for improvement across systems and processes About you in the role You will celebrate diversity, inclusion, belonging and welcome all people regardless of lifestyle choices, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity. Your directorate: Major Infrastructure Construction You’ll report to: General Manager Your expertise, experience & qualifications You are an Australian citizen with a valid Australian Driver’s License You have good written and verbal communication skills You have strong computer skills and are comfortable using a broad range of software including MS Word, Excel You have strong organisation and planning skills You have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy negotiating with people Previous experience in a similar stakeholder facing role for another infrastructure industry such as construction or property You have a design or construction background Even better Although not essential to the role, it would be even better if you had any of the following experience/skills: Experience working in the Utility and/or construction sector, telecommunications looked on favourably You are happy to work in Regional Australia and understand issues relating to farm use, land management and the environment Experience in Earth works or site establishment techniques You like travel and can work autonomously, but also enjoy collaborating with the wider team Benefits at AARNet AARNet is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunity to all. We’re a great place to work if you want to make a difference. AARNet provides a host of other benefits in line with our HR policies which include: Competitive remuneration; 17% superannuation; Flexible work options including a hybrid work model; Focus on wellbeing – year-round initiatives and social engagement activities; Ethical Leadership: A sector leader in cyber security, social responsibility, and equal opportunity; Options to purchase additional Annual Leave; 2 days paid Women’s Wellness Leave per month; 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer; Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer; 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave; 24 weeks paid - Adoption Leave; 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer; 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave; 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave; 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave; 5 days paid – Fertility Leave; 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave; Strong Equal Opportunity focus; Modern office environment: Hotdesking system and new facilities; Support your success: A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies; An opportunity to give back to the academic and research sector.
