Jobs and Careers

• Provide hands-on technical leadership supporting marine fieldwork, diving surveys, and laboratory research
• Deliver high-quality technical expertise advancing reef health and sustainable aquaculture research
• Full time, 5- year Fixed-Term opportunity based in Hobart

About the opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to provide essential technical leadership and support across two major research initiatives: the Aquaculture Environment research program and a large-scale grant focusing on assessing reef health in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior researchers and other technical staff to successfully execute field programs, including dive and remote surveys in coastal areas of Tasmania. The position will also support laboratory analysis, fabrication skills, sample processing and the management and preliminary analysis of research data. The Technical Officer will contribute to the management of resources and staff and ensure that all field activities meet Work Health and Safety (WH&S) standards.

What you’ll do:

• Provide technical coordination for marine field and laboratory operations within the Aquaculture Environment research program.
• Plan, manage, and implement coastal field research programs in Tasmania, including dive and remote surveys, supervision of casual staff, deployment and maintenance of sampling equipment, and strict adherence to WH&S and operational protocols.
• Develop, maintain, and innovate technical systems and equipment.
• Manage data integrity, assisting with accurate, timely, and well-documented outputs.
• Foster effective collaboration and communication within IMAS and with external partners, contributing to the success of major research initiatives and the University’s broader mission to advance marine science and policy.­

What we’re looking for:

• Practical experience and knowledge in marine ecological research, particularly utilising field and dive survey methods.
• Knowledge of rocky reef ecosystems, with particular reference to macroalgae communities and associated dive survey techniques.
• Experience operating towed camera systems and ROVs in a research context.
• Experience in skippering vessels for a variety of research purposes.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of scientific computer programs (R, word-processing, spreadsheets and databases), simple statistical analyses and GIS operations.

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 three documents:
  • A 1 page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and a brief overview of your skills and experience,
  • Your CV, and
  • A formal response to each of the selection criteria
• For further information about this position, please contact Camille White, Research Fellow Aquaculture Environment Interactions, Camille.White@utas.edu.au
• 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, including the selection criteria for the role.

 Position Description - 502127 - Technical Officer - Aquaculture Environment Interactions.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 8 February 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.