Jobs and Careers

• Plan, manage, and undertake field research programs
• Participating in the statewide Abalone and Sea Urchin dive surveys
• Full Time, Ongoing role based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is looking for an experienced and motivated scientific diver to provide technical support within the Dive Fisheries Team.

As our new Technical Officer, you will be required to provide technical support for the team, supervise and partake in extensive diving operations, ensure compliance with WH&S requirements, and liaise with the IMAS operations team to ensure timely and effective delivery of project activities to assist in meeting project timelines.

Together with the Senior Technical Officer and other Technical Officers within the team, you will deliver field research requirements including in situ data collection, analysis and reporting. A significant component of the position will involve participating in the statewide Abalone and Sea Urchin dive surveys on wave-exposed rocky shores, providing high quality fisheries independent data, an integral component of managing the fishery sustainably. The dive modes utilised by the team include High Pressure Surface Supply, SCUBA and Rebreather operations.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of scientific diving and field expertise, strong organisational and problem-solving skills, the ability to work effectively in challenging marine environments, and the capability to work in remote locations for extended periods.

What you’ll do:

• Provide technical support and coordination for field and laboratory operations within the Dive Fisheries Team.
• Plan, manage, and implement field research programs on invertebrate dive fisheries, including underwater dive surveys, deployment of sampling equipment, and adherence to WH&S and operational protocols.
• Develop and maintain technical systems and equipment to support field surveys and data collection, including underwater survey and video equipment
• Manage data quality, analysis, and reporting, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-documented research outputs.

­What we’re looking for:

• A degree in a relevant scientific field, for example marine science, environmental science or aquaculture.
• Practical experience and knowledge in fisheries and marine ecological research, particularly utilising field and dive survey methods, including skilled boat handling to conduct these activities.
• Knowledge of abalone and/or commercial dive fisheries, and/or the biology/ecology of the species they harvest.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of scientific computer programs (R, word-processing, spreadsheets and databases), simple statistical analyses and GIS operations.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work in a team environment including the demonstrated ability to lead small teams.
• Please see the Qualifications and Licences section of the Position Description for required Diving Certificates.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 5 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $105,665 comprising base salary within the range of $80,869 to $90,312 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 profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact John Keane, Senior Research Fellow - Wild Fisheries on John.Keane@utas.edu.au or 03 62268264.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501889 - Technical Officer.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 4 January 2026, 11.55pm

 The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.