About AARNet

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

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to join our Infrastructure Development Group (IDG) team as a Junior Project Manager, with a focus on fibre construction projects. As a Junior Project Manager, you will play a crucial role in assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of various civil construction projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about entering the field of infrastructure construction and gaining valuable hands-on experience in project management. A strong sense of ownership for your projects will drive the successful on time & on budget delivery of AARNet’s future national fibre network.

Joining our Major Infrastructure team as a Junior Project Manager will provide you with valuable opportunities to develop your skills, gain practical experience, and contribute to exciting national projects. If you are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to make a positive impact in the field of telecommunications infrastructure, we encourage you to apply and embark on a rewarding career journey with us.

You are an excellent problem solver and your ability to interpret information to develop creative & effective solutions will ensure you are able anticipate roadblocks & propel project resolutions.

Outstanding communication and presentation skills are a critical requirement of this role. You will regularly engage & collaborate with both internal external stakeholders. You are articulate and perceptive and your ability to empathise and listen will ensure you are able to understand key project requirements & challenges and influence positive outcomes.

A delivery focused, can-do attitude will underpin your success in this role.

Responsibilities

As a junior Project Manager you will demonstrate and be part of a team that is accountable for the successful delivery of large fibre infrastructure project(s). The role will require you to schedule & track elements such as design, planning, permits & approvals, civils construction, equipment deployment & service provisioning while managing conflicting project priorities. In the role you will regularly conduct project analysis to track value management across the design and construction of projects & manage resource utilisation effectively.

Working within IDG's Project Management team, you exhibit strong leadership skills and are capable of guiding others, working collaboratively to collect and collate key project information and network positive project outcomes. An understanding of project management principles combined with excellent time management & prioritisation skills, will form a core foundation for this role as you develop and maintain project schedules with achievable milestones & targets. 

You are inquisitive and are able to probe for and synthesise the important elements of a problem in order to resolve or guide resolutions.

Responsibilities will include:

• Project Support: Provide support to senior project managers in planning, organising, and overseeing civil construction projects from initiation to completion.
• Documentation and Reporting: Assist in preparing project documentation, including project plans, progress reports, cost estimates, and specifications, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
•  Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as clients, engineers, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers, to ensure effective communication and timely resolution of issues.
• Project Scheduling: Contribute to the development and maintenance of project schedules, including task sequencing, resource allocation, and critical path analysis.
• Budget Management: Assist in monitoring project budgets, tracking expenses, and identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
• Quality Assurance: Support quality control processes, conduct inspections, and ensure adherence to project specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and assist in developing mitigation strategies to minimise project delays, cost overruns, and other potential issues.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Promote and maintain a safe working environment by adhering to safety policies and procedures, conducting regular inspections, and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, and construction workers, to ensure smooth project execution and foster a positive work environment.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in civil construction project management to enhance skills and contribute to professional growth.

Expertise, experience & qualifications

• You are an Australian Citizen
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Strong passion for construction or a desire to build a career in project management.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of project management software tools (or a wiliness to learn) (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira , or similar).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to identify and resolve issues.
• You have a previous career experience where you have acquired some business and commercial knowledge including an understanding of business economics, financial fundamentals as well as legal and regulatory frameworks.
• You have some understanding of commercial agreements and have experience in contract negotiation, comfortable with terms, definitions, implications, and common commercial lingo.

Please note: This position may require occasional travel to project sites and flexibility to work outside regular business hours, depending on project needs

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.