A house provided. Household bills covered. A once-in-a-lifetime location.

Imagine calling a tropical island home while doing meaningful, hands-on work that supports scientific research.

Our client based on Lizard Island is seeking a practical, resourceful Maintenance Officer to keep its research station running smoothly. With accommodation and household bills covered, this is an opportunity to experience an extraordinary location while keeping everyday living costs down.

What’s Included

- A full house to call home, including kitchen and bathroom (sharing with one other person)
- Accommodation and household bills covered
- The opportunity to live and work on spectacular Lizard Island

- Varied, hands-on work supporting scientific research
- A small on-site team in a unique island environment

About Lizard Island Research Station Owned and operated by the Australian Museum, Lizard Island Research Station supports world-leading coral reef research and education on the Great Barrier Reef.

Located 270 kilometres north of Cairns, the station welcomes researchers from Australia and around the world, hosting approximately 100 research projects each year.

Its facilities include visitor accommodation, laboratories, aquarium systems and a fleet of research boats—making the Maintenance Officer an essential part of keeping this unique station running smoothly.

The Australian Museum acknowledges the Dingaal and Ngurrumungu Traditional Owners of the lands, seas and skies of Jiigurru.

About the Role

Reporting to the Co-Directors, you will take ownership of general maintenance across the station, working independently and coordinating with colleagues, suppliers and external contractors.

Your responsibilities will include

- Maintaining buildings, generators, water supply and waste management systems, vehicles, boats and access tracks




- Coordinating barge operations for equipment and supply movements
- Liaising with suppliers and contractors
- Keeping accurate maintenance, servicing and repair records
- Ordering spare parts, fuel and consumables
- Assisting visitors and monitoring field activities as required
- Responding to breakdowns and urgent maintenance issues, including outside standard hours when required

About You You bring strong practical skills, a problem-solving mindset and the ability to adapt when things don’t go to plan. You enjoy working independently while contributing to a close-knit team.

You will need

- Proven maintenance experience and strong practical repair skills
- Valuable communication and problem-solving skills
- A current full driver licence
- Physical fitness to undertake manual work in a tropical climate
- The ability to work independently and respond resourcefully to unexpected challenges

Trade skills in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, diesel engines, refrigeration or welding will be highly regarded. Relevant forklift, boat, marine radio and chainsaw licences, along with First Aid, CPR or oxygen resuscitation qualifications, will also be valued. Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Island life offers an incredible setting, alongside the rewards and challenges of living remotely. If you’re practical, adaptable and ready to put your skills to work in a remarkable location, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why life on Lizard Island appeals to you. Alternatively, email [email protected].

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client supports a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

📌 Maintenance Officer (Lizard Island)
🏢 Talent Scout Consulting
📍 Lizard Island