Note: The salary displayed in this advertisement includes the Geoscience Australia Enterprise Agreement 3.4% salary increase effective from March 2026. Geoscience Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Cultures, and to elders past and present. About us Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. Our culture Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements. What we can offer you When you work at Geoscience Australia you will have access to a range of benefits and the opportunity to experience a workplace culture that truly values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. To learn more about our competitive salary, free onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here. Our team The Geoscience Australia Laboratory is a multi-disciplinary facility analysing a range of geological and environmental samples to support research in minerals, energy, groundwater and marine sciences. The data and quality assurance acquired by the Laboratory for government priority projects underpin an enduring legacy of publicly-available data supporting decision-making across government, communities and industry. We strongly believe that today’s quality is tomorrow’s reputation. The recently refurbished facility at Geoscience Australia’s Symonston building operates with a skilled and innovative team using a range of advanced sample preparation and analytical tools focused on four major workflows: Sample preparation including crushing, milling and batching for external whole-rock geochemistry analysis Mineral separation and mount preparation for isotopic microanalysis and geochronology using an in-house ion microprobe (SHRIMP) facility Physical property measurements including grain-size analysis of marine sediments and acid digestion for palynology Organic and stable isotope geochemistry of potential hydrocarbon source rocks, oil and gas The Geoscience Australia Laboratory works with science project teams across Geoscience Australia covering a wide variety of minerals, energy, groundwater and marine science disciplines. The Laboratory also has links with other geoscience and related laboratory facilities across Canberra and Australia. The key duties of the position include: The Laboratory provides foundational sample preparation for other Laboraotry workflows and produces fundamental data about the properties of samples to better understand the geological history of the Australian continent and its marine environment. The Geoscience Australia Laboratory has a world-class reputation for producing and managing high-quality processed samples and physical property data that underpin high-quality geological data valued by decision-makers. This valued reputation is founded on diligent application of processes and also constant innovation and improvement of those processes. We want you to join us to continue upholding and building that reputation. In this role you will: Prepare samples for mineral separation for geochronology analysis Prepare samples such as rocks, sediments and water using a variety of physical processing, mineral separation and sub-sampling techniques. Undertake basic analytical and documentation processes including using high-precision weighing balances, particle analysis instruments, magnetic susceptibility meters and digital cameras. Enter sample data and metadata in Laboratory Information Management and Quality Management systems. Work with various teams in the Laboratory, Repository and science projects to manage the handling, and consolidating and archiving of active sample material. Work with various teams in the Laboratory, Repository, science projects and external stakeholders to manage the handling, investigation, consolidating, archiving or repatriation of legacy sample material. Assist the management of consumable items in the Laboratory (for instance sample containers, disposable PPE) and aid the review and improvement of stock management processes. Demonstrate a high degree of diligence in applying standard operating and quality management procedures. Comply with mandatory work health and safety policies, chemical and radiation management procedures and take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors or visitors that may be affected by your conduct. Apply good time management skills to ensure all tasks are completed within set timeframes. Work with Laboratory teams on business improvement tasks including Lean reviews of work processes, revising SOPs and risk assessments, implementing quality management processes, and other improvement tasks identified by the team or section. Undertake learning and development activities and engage with communities of practice to maintain current knowledge of scientific advances. Ensure individual adherence to the Australian Public Services Values and the Code of Conduct. You will report to the Team Leader of the Sample Preparation and Physical Geology team. Timing of your tasks will be determined in agreement with the Team Leader and are expected to be within core business hours. Because of the nature of the tasks handling and manipulating physical samples using specialist equipment, the large majority of work needs to be on location at the Symonston facility. To be successful in the role you will: Demonstrate a strong commitment to Work Health and Safety matters in a Laboratory environment Establish task plans and simple project plans with measurable milestones to deliver objectives on a daily and weekly timeframe. Maintain effective performance and demonstrate flexibility to cope effectively with day-to-day work changes, shifting priorities and periods of uncertainty Monitor the priorities and process for the business area; keep self and others well informed on issues that may affect work progress Identify issues and problems and work to resolve them; identify risks and uncertainties and take account of these in planning and priority setting Think laterally; be innovative; identify and implement improved work practices Adhere to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct and consistently behave in an honest, ethical and professional way Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications Relevant tertiary qualifications in geoscience, chemistry, physics or related laboratory sciences are desirable but not necessary Demonstrated extensive experience working within a laboratory environment using analytical equipment and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and analytical instrument software. Excellent written and oral communication skills Eligibility To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the below eligibility criteria. Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application. The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level relevant to this role. Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre- employment screening, which includes a police history check. Are you unsure about applying? Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role. To Apply Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include: Your resume (no more than 3 pages) A brief statement (no more than 700 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia. If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact David DiBugnara on (02) 6249 9 or email ga.gov.au To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, ‘Applying for an APS job: cracking the code’. Notes Technical Assistance If you require technical assistance, call Human Resources on (02) 6249 9 or email ga.gov.au. A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed. Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 133 677, and requesting to be connected with our Recruitment team on 02 6249 9 in order to obtain selection documentation. Getting to know the Geoscience Australia Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio. Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.
