The Bureau's National Observing Operations section maintains a year-round staff presence at Willis Island. We are seeking an enthusiastic and suitably qualified person, ideally with previous remote work experience, to undertake a remote posting on Willis Island for approximately 6 months as a part of a team of four. The successful applicant is expected to depart for Willis Island from Cairns in April 2026. We are also seeking applicants interested in applying for the October 2026 deployment. Willis Islandis the only permanently inhabited Island in theCoral Sea Territory, an external territory ofAustralia, located beyond theGreat Barrier Reefin theCoral Sea. The island is located some 450 kilometres east ofCairns,Queensland. The four Bureau staff are the only residents on Willis Island and provisions are resupplied during the staff changeover every six months. Willis Islandis home to an abundance ofwildlifeparticularly birdlife and is an important Green Turtle nesting site. The Willis Island TO2 will participate in the program of Service at Willis Island which includes, Upper Air Observations, Surface Observations, Instrument maintenance and data quality monitoring. They will also adhere to the environmental management of Willis Island. The TO2 on Willis Island will participate in scientific research projects undertaken for other organisations at Willis Island such as Parks Australia the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The Willis Island TO2 is expected to participate in station cleaning and general household duties and actively engage in a local work culture that supports staff to live and work in an isolated environment, they will encourage resilience in other staff and manage relationships with staff and supervisors. As a member of a small team living and working in an isolated environment, applicants will be assessed on technical experience and competencies, as well as personal resilience and adaptability in this unique living and working environment. This is an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain experience working in a remote location and promote personal development. Where required, the Bureau will provide relevant training to successful applicants, this may involve travel to Melbourne or other locations prior to departure to Willis Island. Travel to Willis Island will be by boat and staff will have shared living arrangements during the staff changeover on Willis Island. The key duties of the position include Observations & Operations: Undertake observations from a variety of meteorological equipment and systems primarily supporting the Upper Air and Surface Observations networks. Document and maintain associated records and historical data. Ensure data quality standards are adhered to and perform routine and detailed operational diagnostics Complete all supplementary reporting and stocktaking, as required to maintain the program. Asset and Service Management: Support a strong asset management culture and consistent usage of enterprise asset management system (Maximo) to accurately record asset information, asset performance and issue stakeholder communication. Documentation & Record Keeping: Prepare operational reports and associated documentation. Undertake administrative tasks such as finance reconciliations, WHSE auditing, reconciliations, procurement, inventory records, stores and stock control. Travel: Travel to Willis Island will be by sea with the vessel departing from Cairns. Travel may also be required to undertake pre departure training. Liaison and Representation: Liaise with various internal and external stakeholders at the appropriate level and represent the Bureau in a professional manner in accordance with Australian Public Service values and Code of Conduct. Respond to queries on observing assets in your area of responsibility and provision of asset information and data. Quality Management: Participate in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of products and services and the ongoing development, implementation and continual improvement of the quality management system to achieve and maintain the ongoing certification of compliance with the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard. Compliance: Comply with all relevant legislation, policies, procedures and guidance in the course of your work. Other Relevant Duties: Undertake Scientific projects for other organisations as approved by the Bureau of Meteorology, these organisations currently include Parks Australia and Australian Institute of Marine Science Diversity & Inclusion: Understand and promote an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity and complies with the Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Commitment. WHSE: Comply with all Bureau work, health, safety and environment policies and procedures, and take reasonable care for your own wellbeing and that of your team members, other employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct. Network and Infrastructure Support: Participate in the necessary maintenance programs with respect to buildings, instrumentation, plant, equipment and communal duties to support activities associated with sustainment and service delivery. Other network support activities might include coordinating network and asset inspection and auditing and environmental management activities.
