Project Officer

Project Officer

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), founded in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s digital landscape as the pioneers of the country’s Internet. Our mission extends beyond mere connectivity; we are the architects, builders, and operators of a world-class network infrastructure that fuels critical research and learning. At AARNet, innovation thrives within a vibrant community.

Connecting a Million Minds: Our extensive reach interconnects over one million users—from researchers and faculty to staff and students—across institutions throughout Australia. Whether it’s high-energy physics, climate science, genomics, radio astronomy, or the arts, we serve as the backbone supporting education and research across diverse disciplines.

National and International Collaboration: Nationally, AARNet links Australian universities, the CSIRO, and other organizations with a research and education mission. But our impact extends beyond borders. Internationally, we bridge the Australian Research and Education (R & E) community to the world, continuously developing capabilities and forging partnerships for seamless data access and transfer.

Supporting Innovation: While our core mission revolves around network infrastructure, we also offer a suite of supporting applications enabling collaborative research and education.

Our Culture: At AARNet, we’re a dynamic team of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don’t settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, consider joining us on this exciting journey.

The Project Officer within the Infrastructure Development Group supports the growing number of optical fibre construction projects and internal development initiatives for various roles within the group. The role will provide administrative support and project support task to a variety teams, helping deliver the next generation of communications network to Australia’s academic and research sector.

Your personable manner and positive attitude will ensure successful engagement with our internal and external stakeholders. The role has plenty of variety from the preparation of contractor agreements and notices for access to properties, to ordering and tracking equipment and services. Our administration support team have the opportunity to work across many aspects of project support and develop further expertise in specific areas of interest.

The Infrastructure Development Group strives to deliver quality network solutions that meet the requirements of our customers and effectively support AARNet’s fibre network. Providing many of the underlying components required for successful project delivery, you will contribute the continued development of critical AARNet infrastructure and our expanding national network supporting research and education.

A desire to develop, complimented by your flexible approach to taking on a range tasks and responsibilities will be key to your success in this role.

Responsibilities

Providing support for internal infrastructure development teams working to deliver fibre services to our customers, including the following responsibilities:

· Maintaining and managing internal data systems including entering and updating project information

· Assisting with the production of project specific documentation and reporting.

· Managing infrastructure procurement systems and processes alongside the daily data entry required for ongoing project delivery.

· Assisting with the management of physical assets including inventory management, stock maintenance and logistical support.

· Assisting with project planning tasks to support continued expansion of the AARNet fibre network.

· Producing high quality documentation of team processes.

· Providing a range of administration support across relevant teams including: organising meetings, documenting agendas, minutes and reports.

· Utilising core AARNet technology to support the project tasks including Word, Excel, Visio, Jira, Confluence, and Zoom.

· Proactively identifying areas for improvement across systems and processes.

Expertise, experience & qualifications

· You are an Australian Resident.

· You have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· You have a demonstrated attention to detail and ability to manage competing demands.

· You have strong computer skills and are comfortable using Microsoft Office Programs such as Excel and Word.

· You are confident working independently and representing AARNet in a professional manner.

· Experience in a similar role is a plus but enthusiasm is a good substitute. We will teach you what you need to know.

Why Work at AARNet?

At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australia-wide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding network-based applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.

Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

Competitive Benefits and Conditions:

· Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.

· Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation top-up.

· Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.

· Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave.

· Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.

· Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.

· Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.

· Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.

· Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.

· Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.

· Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.