Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn.

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 solid partnerships to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation.

Our team

The Ground Station Operations team within Satellite Land Imaging Collection Branch is responsible for the operation and lifecycle management of the in-service Alice Springs Ground Station and associated infrastructure to ensure that Geoscience Australia meets satellite data (including Earth observation and satellite health) collection performance metrics that are required by our international partnerships. The team is also responsible for supporting the delivery of an upgraded satellite ground station to meet the requirements of the Landsat Next program.

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, secure onsite parking, generous flexible working arrangements and the role you can play in growing our culture click here. You may be eligible for a remote locality allowance; further information can be found in the Geoscience Australia Enterprise Agreement.

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.

The role

The Ground Station Operations team within Satellite Land Imaging Collection Branch is responsible for the operation and lifecycle management of the in-service Alice Springs Ground Station and associated infrastructure to ensure that Geoscience Australia meets satellite data (including Earth observation and satellite health) collection performance metrics that are required by our international partnerships.



The team is also responsible for supporting the delivery of an upgraded satellite ground station to meet the requirements of the Landsat Next program. Learn more about the Landsat program and our work here.

The Satellite Ground Station Technician ensures the reliable operation and maintenance of Geoscience Australia’s Alice Springs Ground Station. The role supports daily performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and system upkeep to deliver satellite data essential for Australia’s Earth observation programs.

In this role you will:

- Monitor ground station performance against agreed indicators and promptly report faults, disruptions, and other technical or operational issues.
- Support troubleshooting, evaluation, and restoration activities, including repair or replacement of faulty equipment.
- Assist in coordinating maintenance activities to avoid conflicts with satellite passes, working closely with supervisors, contractors, and service providers.
- Undertake scheduled and unscheduled maintenance in accordance with established procedures, documenting outcomes and required follow-up actions.
- Maintain accurate asset and maintenance records, including spares registers, and assist with audits.
- Support the integration of new equipment and systems under direction.
- Conduct all activities in accordance with relevant safety requirements and procedures.
- Develop or update technical documentation such as work instructions, schematics, site records, and change requests.
- Undertake minor procurement and administrative tasks (e.g., ordering consumables and parts).
- Supervise one staff member for day-to-day task allocation and work quality monitoring.

Desirable skills, experience, knowledge and/or qualifications

- Demonstrated experience in satellite ground station system maintenance and operations.
- Broad understanding of ground station components, such as antennas, power systems, and HVAC.
- Demonstrated experience with Linux operating systems, network switching/routing, and remote monitoring systems.
- Demonstrated technical and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve faults.
- Demonstrated experience in preparing maintenance records, serviceability reports, and contributing to maintenance scheduling and forecasting activities.
- Demonstrated experience in the areas of project management, administration, procurement, or contracting.
- Certificate III (AQF Level 3 or above) in electronics, electrical or IT from an Australian institution or comparable qualifications assessed by an accreditation body (e.g., Engineers Australia or Trades Recognition Australia).
- Current working at heights certificate and elevated work platform licence, or ability to attain these.




- Ability to work with limited direction while following established procedures and safety requirements.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.

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.

Use of AI in Recruitment

Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit. Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role. Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment, as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles.

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 Mark Eldridge on (02) 6249 5899 or email [email protected] To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, ‘Applying for an APS job: cracking the code’.

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.

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call Recruitment and Delivery on (02) 6249 9777 or email [email protected].

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.

📌 Satellite Ground Station Technician (Alice Springs)
🏢 Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
📍 Alice Springs