Australian Institute of Marine Science - Townsville QLD

The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia's tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS' research of Australia's tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting prospect

The Indigenous Field Technical Officer plays a key role in supporting multidisciplinary field-based research and the Reef Restoration Pilot Deployment Program. The position involves substantial fieldwork throughout the year, particularly during coral spawning and summer periods, and requires strong technical, organisational and practical skills. Key responsibilities include supporting data collection and analysis, coordinating field logistics, maintaining equipment and consumables, assisting with boating and diving operations, and leading field teams to ensure projects are delivered safely and effectively. The role also contributes to the development of operating procedures, technical reports and scientific manuscripts, while ensuring all field activities are conducted in accordance with relevant research permits and procedures.





A central aspect of the role is building meaningful participation and collaboration with Traditional Owners and Indigenous rangers throughout program activities and providing supervision, guidance and training to staff, interns, trainees, visitors, stakeholders and Indigenous participants, while fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive field environment.

About you

You are an experienced Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander marine or environmental professional who combines strong scientific and technical capability with cultural knowledge coupled with a genuine commitment to reef restoration and marine monitoring. You will bring relevant qualifications and substantial professional experience in marine science, biology, ecology or Indigenous studies, with practical knowledge of coral early life stages, coral production and reef restoration. This may include marine fieldwork, coral production, reef restoration, caring for Sea Country or working in cross-cultural settings. An equivalent combination of qualifications and experience will also be considered. You will have practical experience supporting field-based operations, with foundational experience in areas such as boating, diving and transport, and an interest and willingness to further develop these skills. Training and development will be supported to enable the successful candidate to attain the Dive Supervisor and Cruise Leader competencies required for the role.



Our ideal candidate will have strong skills in coral and benthic surveys, experimental data collection, sample curation, QA/QC and data management, as well as the ability to identify key Great Barrier Reef coral species to genus or species level.

Beyond your technical expertise, you will be a confident, adaptable and culturally aware team member who can build respectful relationships with Traditional Owners, Indigenous rangers, researchers, stakeholders and other project partners. You will remain calm and solutions-focused when working under pressure, manage competing priorities effectively and be equally comfortable working independently or leading diverse field teams. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, particularly when navigating cross-cultural environments or sensitive personnel and cultural matters, where diplomacy, discretion and respect are required.

In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

- AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced (3.1 - 3.9) salary ($79,053 to $99,105 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
- Full-time, Temporary (Labour hire) opportunity to 30 June 2028
- Located in Townsville (Qld)
- 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
- Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
- Generous and supportive leave entitlements
- Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
- Employee Assistance Program

Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.

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📌 Indigenous Pilot Deployment Program (PDP) Field Technical Officer (Townsville City)
🏢 Australian Institute of Marine Science
📍 Townsville City