Seaweed Hatchery Technician

**Department of Primary Industries and Regions**
**Job reference**: 597294

**Location**: 5024 - WEST BEACH

**Job status**: Long Term Contract

**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**The Opportunity**

We have an opportunity for a Seaweed Hatchery Technician to be part of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

The primary purpose of the role is to provide and deliver outcomes for various industry and grant funded projects of the Algal Production Group within SARDI’s Aquaculture Program.

Reporting to the Sub-program Leader (Algal Production), the Algal Culture Technician will assist the Seaweed Hatchery Technologist in developing macroalgal inoculum cultures through micropropagation, sporulation and vegetative propagation as part of the seaweed hatchery to support the macroalgae aquaculture industry in SA. This position is part funded by the National Seaweed Hatchery Network (NSHM) to develop reliable and reproducible hatchery techniques for _A. armata_ with the aim of developing a hatchery manual for use by seaweed aquaculturists to produce inoculum for land and at-sea farming. The effectiveness of this role requires experience working on hatchery methodologies for seaweeds.

The incumbent will maintain pure algal cultures and upscale as required for various R&D and industry funded projects and additionally provide technical support to other research projects of the sub-program. The role will provide high level of technical expertise, working as an effective and supportive team member, producing outcomes with high level of accuracy, in a high-pressure environment to deliver core work for the Algal Production & SEA Laboratories.

The role also contributes to delivering the agency’s priorities including increased production of our primary industries, grow regions and building partnerships with industry to grow the value of primary industries by leveraging government’s cross-functional capabilities to pursue opportunities where South Australia has a competitive advantage.

**About Us**

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

PIRSA is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

**Benefits**

At PIRSA, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

**Our Commitment to Diversity**

**Special Conditions**
- Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
- Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
- Opportunity until April 2026

**Requirements**:
Essential:

- Possession of a current driver’s license and willingness to drive.
- Technical qualifications commensurate with a OPS2 level or higher.
- Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.
- Contributes to the culture of continuous improvement of Algal Production and SEA laboratories.
- Develops and maintains a professional approach to duties and actively works to maintain and further build the reputation of the organization.
- Out of hours work may be required.
- You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations.
- Other requirements
- The incumbent will be required to participate in the internal and external training programs.
- Remuneration

Desirable:

- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science / Aquaculture / Marine Biology or equivalent.
- Experience in working within a team effectively.
- ADAS Part 1 dive qualification / equivalent or rescue diver with a minimum of 40 logged dives, 15 of which in the last year. Possess current first aid and AS/NZS 2299.1 dive medical.

**Remuneration**

OPS2- $57,842 min - $62,221 max per annum, plus superannuation

**Enquiries**

Associate Professor Sasi Nayar
Phone: 0428542101

**Application Instructions**

To express interest in this opportunity, please refer to the attached applicant instructions and detail how your skills and experience align with the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Attention to Detail, and Problem-Solving capabilities outlined in the role description provided.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 ref