Role Description Technical Officer- Research Assistant, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Biology Cluster Agency Division/Branch/Unit Location Department of Justice Australian Museum Australian Museum Research Institute / Life and GeoSciences/Terrestrial Vertebrates Sydney CBD Classification/Grade/Band Technical Officer 1/2 Kind of Employment Temporary ANZSCO Code 311413 Role Number 50049059 PCAT Code 1119192 Date of Approval Aug 2016 Agency Website http://australianmuseum.net.au/ Overview The Australian Museum (AM) operates within the NSW Department of Justice and was founded in 1827 and is the first museum in Australia. The AM provides access, engagement and scientific research to increase our understanding of natural history and culture, particularly of the Australasian region. The AM holds more than 18 million objects of biological, geological and cultural collections and develops programs, exhibitions and school and community education initiatives onsite, online and offsite. The AM s purpose is to make nature, Indigenous cultures & science accessible and relevant to everyone. For more information, visit the website. Primary purpose of the role To increase the impact of science at the Australian Museum by undertaking technical work supporting the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology in implementing an innovative field and collection-based research and collection research infrastructure program. 1
Key accountabilities Support the development and implementation of the scientific research and/or collection program on amphibians, building on the Australian Museum Science Strategy, and assist in communication of this work. Support the conception, planning and implementation of proposals to strategically develop the Museum's collections infrastructure, research capacity and profile including field trips. Support the development, management and use of the Australian Museum's collection/research infrastructure. Assist the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology in the supervision of volunteers and interns. Under direction from the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology, initiate, plan and lead field expeditions to remote areas to conduct research on amphibians. Assist the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology in the procurement of funding through grants and sponsorship and in administrative tasks. Assist the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology with molecular analysis in support of research projects on amphibians. Assist the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology with assessing the conservation status of amphibians. Key challenges Under direction from the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology, prioritise complex tasks associated with a broad range of projects with overlapping and competing time frames. Communicate often complex scientific information to varied audiences. Key relationships Who Why Internal Branch Manager, Life and GeoSciences Escalate issues, keep informed, advise and receive instructions. Manage and provide regular updates on key administrative and operational projects, issues and priorities. Respond to requests for input on key issues Group Manager (Manager) Negotiate overall direction on priorities in consultation with the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology Respond to requests for management, research and budget information Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology (supervisory role on task basis) Act under direction on research project activities Director, AMRI, and Executive Director, Provide expert advice, assistance and support Role Description 2
Who Why Australian Museum Museum Staff (Agency Staff) Provide services that support organisational objectives External General public Communicate importance of science and the work of the Australian Museum. Assist Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology in responding to science enquiries on amphibians. Government departments Assist the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology with requests for access to the Australian Museum collections or information Role dimensions Decision making The position holder is responsible for undertaking technical activities to support research under the direction of the Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology in consultation with the Group Manager and the Branch Manager, Life and Geosciences. Reporting line Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology; Group Manager; Branch Manager (Life and Geosciences); the Director (AMRI); the Executive Director (Australian Museum). Direct reports The position holder is responsible for managing the staff within the work area, notably volunteers and visiting researchers Essential requirements 1. BSc or BSc (Hons) preferred, TAFE qualifications, or equivalent research experience with a strong background relevant to the Museum s research priorities http://australianmuseum.net.au/uploads/documents/30101/amri_sciencestrategy_2015.pdf 2. Demonstrated capacity to conduct and/or assist research on amphibians and experience with amphibianrelated field and lab work. 3. Adequate knowledge and experience in order to deliver the Key Accountabilities and perform to the Focus Capabilities outlined in this Role Description. Role Description 3
Capabilities for the role The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The Capability Framework is available at www.psc.nsw.gov.au/capabilityframework Capability summary Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this role. The capabilities in bold are the focus capabilities for this role. Refer to the next section for further information about the focus capabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Display Resilience and Courage Act with Integrity Manage Self Value Diversity Communicate Effectively Commit to Customer Service Work Collaboratively Influence and Negotiate Deliver Results Plan and Prioritise Think and Solve Problems Demonstrate Accountability Finance Technology Procurement and Contract Management Project Management Role Description 4
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Personal Attributes Display Resilience and Courage Communicate Effectively Commit to Customer Service Work Collaboratively Results Deliver Results Business Enablers Technology Be open to new ideas and approaches Offer own opinion, ask questions and make suggestions Adapt well to new situations Do not give up easily when problems arise Stay calm in challenging situations Focus on key points and speak in 'Plain English' Clearly explain and present ideas and arguments Listen to others when they are speaking and ask appropriate, respectful questions Monitor own and others' non-verbal cues and adapt where necessary Prepare written material that is well structured and easy to follow by the intended audience Communicate routine technical information clearly Support a culture of quality customer service in the organisation Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the services provided and relay to customers Identify and respond quickly to customer needs Consider customer service requirements and develop solutions to meet needs Resolve complex customer issues and needs Co-operate across work areas to improve outcomes for customers Build a supportive and co-operative team environment Share information and learning across teams Acknowledge outcomes which were achieved by effective collaboration Engage other teams/units to share information and solve issues and problems jointly Support others in challenging situations Complete work tasks to agreed budgets, timeframes and standards Take the initiative to progress and deliver own and team/unit work Contribute to allocation of responsibilities and resources to ensure achievement of team/unit goals Seek and apply specialist advice when required Apply computer applications that enable performance of more complex tasks Apply practical skills in the use of relevant technology Make effective use of records, information and knowledge management functions and systems Understand and comply with information and communications security and acceptable use policies Support the implementation of systems improvement initiatives and the introduction and roll-out of new technologies Role Description 5