Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 712966
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Join the Team Preserving South Australia’s Natural Heritage!

Are you ready to get your hands on plants, algae and fungi that define South Australia’s unique biodiversity?

We’re looking for a friendly, organised and scientifically savvy Technical Officer to help power the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the State Herbarium thriving.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our operations and special projects. Processing specimens, supporting fieldwork, performing microscopy, and working with the data that underpins taxonomic research. From preparing samples to contributing to our team’s shifting efforts, you’ll help keep our collections accurate and accessible.

What You’ll Achieve

• Keep our world class plant, algae and fungi collections curated, up-to-date and ready for research.
• Maintain and enrich data quality across electronic and hard copy records.
• Contribute to field surveys, imaging, microscopy, specimen analysis and scientific research.
• Help ensure our labs, equipment and processes run smoothly, safely and efficiently.
• Build positive working relationships while contributing to our teams’ efforts on specific projects.
• Learn new skills in the curation of natural history collections, analysis and interpretation of botanical information and learn more about the biodiversity of the South Australian flora.

What You Bring

• A solid grounding in Botany or Biological Science with a relevant tertiary qualification (VET or University).
• A knack for gathering, analysing and interpreting scientific information.
• Technical know-how: specimen prep, microscopy, photography and safe chemical handling.
• Confidence using scientific data, ICT tools and record keeping following standards.
• Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy.
• A passion for South Australian flora and the science that protects it.

If you’re ready to contribute to our biodiversity research and help safeguard our botanical records for future generations, this is your chance to grow with us.

Apply now and help build the biodiversity data sets curated by the State Herbarium!

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Multiple short-term casual contracts available, up to 30 hours per fortnight.

Essential Criteria (including qualifications):
A relevant technical or scientific tertiary qualification (e.g., Biological Science, Conservation, Horticulture, Ecology, or related field).

Special Conditions:

• May be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to provide a Department of Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.
• May be required to work outside of the normal work hours, including on weekends.
• May be required to undertake intrastate/interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.
• May be required to work in laboratories where chemicals are used and stored.

Remuneration: 
TGO1, $48,788 min - $70,032 max p.a., pro rata for part time hours. 

Enquiries to:
Nikola Streiber, Manager, Science and Conservation
nikola.streiber@sa.gov.au
0498 161 579

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA. This vacancy pool will remain open until 30 June 2026, applications will be accepted at any time during this period.
First applications review is scheduled to commence 28 January 2026.

Submit a CV and a cover letter (max 5 pages) addressing Essential and Desirable Criteria in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 30/06/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- TGO1 Technical Officer 20251204 FINAL.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.