📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Plant Growth Officer
🔹 Company: University of Queensland
🔹 Location: Gatton Campus, St Lucia Campus
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
🔹 Category: Research & Development
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting operations of UQ’s Plant Growth Collaborative Research Platform
- Maintaining high-quality plant growth facilities
- Assisting researchers and clients with technical advice and experiment planning
- Delivering training and guidance to new users
- Managing bookings, maintaining facility records, and updating communication platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical expertise, organizational skills, and strong communication to ensure smooth operations and high-quality research outcomes.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Coordinate day-to-day operations at the plant growth facilities, including equipment maintenance, space allocations, and environmental monitoring.
✅ Support researchers and clients by providing technical advice, assisting with experiment planning, and troubleshooting equipment issues.
✅ Deliver training and guidance to new users on standard operating procedures and safe, effective use of plant growth infrastructure.
✅ Assist with administrative tasks such as managing bookings, maintaining facility records, and updating communication platforms.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant qualification in horticulture, agronomy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Experience: Practical experience working with plant growth environments and related technical equipment.
Required Skills:
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Confident in troubleshooting technical issues and supporting experimental workflows
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Self-motivated, methodical, and comfortable working independently in a dynamic research environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific plant growth equipment or software
- Knowledge of plant science research methods
ASSUMPTION: While specific experience with UQ's plant growth facilities is not required, familiarity with similar environments would be beneficial.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 80,523 - 89,505 per annum plus 17% superannuation (HEW Level 5)
Benefits:
- Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
- 17% superannuation contributions
- 17.5% annual leave loading
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
- Health and wellness discounts, including fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to the Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
- UQ Study for Staff
- Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
- Salary packaging options
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexible start/finish times and hybrid working options available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the Higher Education Worker (HEW) Level 5 scale, which is the appropriate level for this role within the University of Queensland's employment framework.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on research and development in plant science and agriculture
Company Size: 51-200 employees, with a strong focus on collaboration and research excellence
Founded: The University of Queensland was founded in 1909, with the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering established in 1911
Company Description:
- Dedicated to tackling grand engineering challenges through pioneering research, exceptional teaching, and bold collaborations
- Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors the wider community
- Offers a range of benefits and rewards to attract, retain, and promote diverse talent
Company Specialties:
- Mechanical engineering
- Mechatronics engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Materials engineering
- Research
Company Website: https://mechmining.uq.edu.au/home
ASSUMPTION: The University of Queensland is a well-established institution with a strong reputation for research and teaching in various engineering disciplines.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development within the research and academic environment
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Manager of the Plant Growth Collaborative Research Platform and works closely with researchers, clients, and other facility staff
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with flexible start/finish times and hybrid working options available
Growth Opportunities:
- Developing expertise in plant growth research and related technologies
- Contributing to the development and implementation of new research projects
- Potential for career progression within the University of Queensland's research and academic environment
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the dynamic research environment of the University of Queensland.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus, with a mix of on-site and remote work options available
Office Location(s): Gatton Campus and St Lucia Campus
Geographic Context:
- The Gatton Campus is located in the Lockyer Valley, approximately 80 km west of Brisbane, offering a rural setting with easy access to nearby towns and amenities
- The St Lucia Campus is located in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, offering a vibrant urban environment with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible start/finish times and hybrid working options available
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic research environment and adapting to the unique needs and priorities of the plant growth facilities and their users.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Queensland's careers portal
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager, Sarah Armstrong
- On-campus or virtual interview with the selection panel
- Reference checks and background verification
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in plant growth environments and related equipment
- Organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues
- Alignment with the University of Queensland's values and commitment to research excellence
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on plant growth environments, technical expertise, and organizational abilities
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the plant growth facilities and their role in supporting research at the University of Queensland
ATS Keywords: Plant growth, horticulture, agronomy, technical advice, experiment planning, troubleshooting, user training, organizational skills, communication, collaboration, record keeping, self-motivation, methodical approach, independent work, dynamic research environment
ASSUMPTION: The University of Queensland uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can improve your chances of being shortlisted.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Plant growth equipment (glasshouses, growth rooms, growth cabinets)
- Environmental monitoring systems
- Research management software (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling)
- Communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with specific plant growth equipment and software is not required, as training will be provided. However, experience with similar tools and technologies would be beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in research and teaching
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Inclusion and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced research environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focus on high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure high-quality research outcomes in a dynamic and collaborative environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records?
- How do you approach troubleshooting technical issues and supporting experimental workflows?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Queensland values candidates who can demonstrate a strong fit with their commitment to research excellence, collaboration, and inclusion.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing competing priorities and maintaining accurate records in a dynamic research environment
- Troubleshooting technical issues and supporting experimental workflows with minimal guidance
- Adapting to the unique needs and priorities of the plant growth facilities and their users
- Balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities effectively
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to the University of Queensland, with a specific focus on supporting plant growth research and facilities management
- Similar roles in other institutions may have a broader focus on research support or facilities management, with less emphasis on plant growth-specific expertise
- Career progression opportunities may vary depending on the specific institution and its research focus
ASSUMPTION: While this role is unique to the University of Queensland, similar roles in other institutions may offer comparable opportunities for professional growth and development within the research and academic environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new plant growth experiment to support a research project in plant science or agriculture
- Assisting with the maintenance and upkeep of plant growth facilities, including equipment calibration and environmental monitoring
- Providing technical advice and support to researchers and clients, including experiment planning and troubleshooting equipment issues
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, with a focus on supporting research and facilities management in plant growth environments.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role, and how I can contribute to the success of the plant growth facilities and their users?
- How does this role fit into the broader research and academic environment at the University of Queensland, and what opportunities are there for professional growth and development?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in this dynamic research environment?
- How does the University of Queensland support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in roles that require flexible working arrangements?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to a smooth transition and onboarding process?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the research environment, and the University of Queensland's commitment to supporting its employees' success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Queensland's careers portal: https://careers.uq.edu.au/career-opportunities
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on plant growth environments, technical expertise, and organizational abilities
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and collaboration
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the plant growth facilities and their role in supporting research at the University of Queensland
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
