Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals.
These goals are to:
maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it
protect the Antarctic environment
understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system
undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.
The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan.
The branch provides research and advice to support Australia's Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels.
It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program (including project requests, assessment, and reporting) and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions.
The branch provides scientific advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.
The Capabilities and Facilities section supports Southern Ocean and Antarctic research in the fields of aquaria, labs, engineering and marine science.
Our diverse team manages lab facilities, cold store and samples both on station and at AAD headquarters, marine science assets, compliance and regulatory requirements, and workshops that design and construct bespoke technical equipment and facilities for the AAP.
The Job




The position will work at Kingston in the Marine Research Aquarium facility (aquarium) and at sea as required to support mobile containerised aquarium research facilities (containerised aquaria).
The position will move to the new Southern Ocean research aquarium which is under construction in Taroona in approximately 2 years.
The position will report to the Science Support Technical Manager and work under direction from the Marine Research Aquarium Manager.
Key duties will include, but are not limited to:
Support daily operations of the aquarium including:
o Day to day maintenance and husbandry of Antarctic krill and other livestock including rostered weekend duties.
o Continual production of live algal cultures.
o Maintain water filtration equipment.
o Participate in the after-hours on-call roster.
o Maintain records of all required inspections, maintenance, repairs and certifications; and
o Contribute to the support of researchers/students.
As required, assist in the forward planning, experimental set up and pre-voyage testing of containerised aquaria.
Work in environments where priorities can change, sometimes with short notice and/or shifting timeframes.
As required, participate in marine science voyages by being responsible for the technical configuration, operation, and maintenance of containerised aquaria whilst at sea and provide aquarium support to researchers and students working at sea.
Advise aquarium users on the safe set up and use of experimental systems in the aquarium and containerised aquaria.
Conduct regular quality and safety audits of the aquarium and containerised aquarium facilities.
Knowledge and experience




We are seeking applicants with demonstrated:
Knowledge of the design and function of recirculating aquarium systems (experience with marine research systems is desirable).
Experience with operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of research or aquaculture aquarium systems, plant and equipment including process control software.
Experience working at sea for extended periods (supporting marine science voyages is desirable).
Knowledge of Work Health & Safety (WHS) and experience in maintaining a safe workplace for aquarium facilities.
Track record of working within biosecurity requirements (experience in Biosecurity Approved Arrangement premises is desirable) and complying with environmental responsibilities.
Skills and capabilities
We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated:
Skills in marine invertebrate husbandry and handling in research or aquaculture aquarium systems (experience with Antarctic krill or other similar marine invertebrates is desirable).
Skills in maintaining algal and other live feed cultures.
Good laboratory skills, working within a lab workplace and experience in maintenance and calibration of instrumentation for water quality analysis.
Ability to maintain data sets, analyse data and write technical reports relating to the operation of aquarium facilities.
Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders and suppliers
Mandatory Qualifications
A degree from an Australian tertiary institution in a discipline of Aquaculture, or Science with a relevant major or Biology with a relevant major, or another equivalent discipline with a relevant major, or;
A degree in a relevant discipline from a comparable overseas institution, or;
Demonstrated equivalent work experience in a relevant field.
Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

📌 Senior Aquarium Technician (Hobart)
🏢 Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Hobart