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Ko te whare Pūtaiao | The Faculty of Science brings together 10 diverse schools and departments to provide outstanding quality teaching and research opportunities. Being the leading science Faculty in New Zealand and is one of the largest in Australasia, it undertakes world-class research across the physical, biological, and computational sciences. More than 8,000 students’ study in our schools and departments, learning from internationally renowned lecturers.  We strive to provide a Faculty that reflects the demographics of our student base and Aotearoa. Our staff and students can connect with our: Rainbow and Women in Science networks, Parenting support, our Waipapa Marae and our flagship Tuākana Māori and Pacific support programme

As a Senior Workshop Technician based at the Leigh Marine Campus, reporting to the Business Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the workshop and to provide technical support to ensure the continued operation of our aquaria research facilities You will become part of a passionate and innovative team and proactively support staff and students with the design and fabrication of equipment for marine research, maintain core infrastructure and support operations in our new state of the art aquaria facility. With a strong focus on ensuring safety and regulatory requirements are met, you will be the go-to person for all technical questions relating to the fabrication and maintenance of equipment and can think outside the box when designing unique marine research devices.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Provide technical support to ensure the continued operation of the aquaria facilities
  • Ensure assigned infrastructure is checked and maintained
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the workshop with a focus on health and safety
  • Provide cost estimates for new equipment and source materials
  • Induct and train staff and students on the use of the workshop and equipment
  • Conduct risk assessments on workshop activities, equipment, and tools
  • Design and build unique equipment used for marine research
  • Ensure consumables and equipment are available and managed efficiently and safely
  • Occasional after-hours work may be required
  • Provide technical support for marine research and maritime activities
  • Respond to ad-hoc requests as and when required

This role is based at the Leigh Marine Campus and is a full-time permanent role (37.5 hrs per week – Monday to Friday) *note there may be occasional weekend work involved and will require some flexibility with days of work*

Remuneration:  $68,600 – $84,700 (depending on level of experience)

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

With a proactive mind-set and displaying plenty of initiative you will be able to hit the ground running and add value from day one. You will be well organised, have excellent design skills using CAD and expertise across machining techniques. Ideally you will have experience in welding stainless and aluminium, and have a good understanding in the operation of CNC mills, lathes and a variety of engineering equipment. You will need to have a good understanding of pumps and plumbing techniques to support research experiments in our seawater (aquaria) facilities.

You will have a passion and interest in marine science and enjoy supporting research that contributes to the protection and understanding of the marine environment.

Skills and Experience:

  • Ability to maintain research devices and core infrastructure assets such as plant equipment
  • Proven experience working with maintenance of pumps and associated control systems
  • Expertise with the design and build of unique research equipment ideally within the marine industry
  • Strong technical mind-set with the ability to problem solve technical issues
  • Experience working with workshop machinery and tools such as mills, lathes, and welding equipment

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Escape to Leigh, where pristine coastlines, vibrant marine life, a tranquil community and a peaceful, small-town atmosphere offer the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

  • Flexible employment practices (flexible hours)
  • Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
  • A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 25th July 2025 to be considered. We may close this advert early if we have a large number of applications. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Boyd Taylor on boyd.taylor@auckland.ac.nz  for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Immigration & relocation support

To make the immigration process as easy as possible for our applicants, the University has an in-house immigration manager who is licensed by the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority to provide advice and support to staff as they navigate the visa and immigration process together.

Immigration and Relocation Support

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