Jobs and Careers

EAF Technical Officer 

• Extensive practical knowledge with recirculating aquaculture systems
• Enjoy working in a supportive and output-focused environment
• Part-Time (0.8 FTE Thursday – Sunday) Fixed-Term (October 2025) Based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The IMAS Experimental Aquaculture Facility (EAF) enables directed, commercially-relevant research, being fundamental to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the aquaculture industry for Tasmania, Australia and internationally – now and into the future. The EAF Technical Officer (TO) will work closely with and be responsible to the Aquaculture Operations Manager. The TO will be responsible for aspects of the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the EAF including the recirculation aquaculture system technology and finfish husbandry (primarily Atlantic salmon). The successful applicant will be a highly skilled and experienced aquaculture technician with a comprehensive range of skills including a broad understanding of aquatic animal husbandry and physiology, the maintenance of complex aquaculture systems and knowledge of water quality management. The ideal candidate will have a strong drive to work in a high- performance environment, possess a ‘can-do’ attitude and an output-based approach to work with strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and experience with regulatory compliance in particular biosecurity, WHS and animal ethics.

What you’ll do:

• Work under the direction of the Aquaculture operations Manager to maintain the operational integrity of the EAF infrastructure to ensure continuous operation and minimal disruption.
• Work directly on the introduction and acclimation of new animals the EAF; the production of stock salmon to meet future research needs; the day-to-day husbandry of experimental salmon according to written protocols.
• Assist the Aquaculture operations Manager in working collaboratively with IMAS, Huon Aquaculture and Skretting representatives.
• Work with key site personal including the Aquaculture Operations Manager, IMAS Operations Manager and WHS in establishing innovative and best-work-practices for WHS, environmental sustainability and waste management.
• Assist the Aquaculture Operations Manager with activities including staff/student induction, training and task supervision, keeping accurate records about EAF technical operations, salmon and water quality, purchase aquarium consumables.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree level qualification in aquaculture or a relevant field or at least three years’ work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Demonstrated experience with aquaculture recirculation systems (RAS), with a strong practical and theoretical knowledge base.
• Substantial practical experience with routine daily maintenance and assessment of water quality.
• Manage day-to-day maintenance of farmed aquatic animals including management of feeds and feeding schedules and health. Potential to act appropriately if faced with disease outbreaks, quarantine and hygiene issues and unforeseen events.
• Ability or potential to analyse and solve technical and non-technical problems including system failures, equipment breakages or unforeseen events.
• Demonstrated ability to be part of an on-call after-hours roster team and is regularly available to work over weekends and rostered public holidays (penalty rates apply).

Qualifications and Licences

• Driver’s License (essential)
• Australian Forklift license (desirable)
• Light rigid license (desirable)

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 4 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $88,479 comprising base salary within the range of $71,387 to $75,623 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Mark Adams, Aquaculture Operations Manager, Mark.Adams@utas.edu.au  or 03 6324 3603
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 500755 - IMAS EAF Technical Officer.pdf

Applications close Monday, 10 March 2025, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.