Marine Conservation Specialist

This is an exciting chance to play a key role supporting the Fish Seascapes Project.

• The position will work as part of the ARC Linkage funded Project 'Assessing fish connectivity across highly modified seascapes'. This project aims to quantify the effects of large-scale infrastructure on fish connectivity and populations by advancing our understanding of critical ecological processes within these modified coastal seascapes.

As the Research Assistant, you will support the lead researchers in the overall organisation of the project and its team, playing a major role in data collection, processing and analysis. You will be expected to organise and lead field campaigns to collect data and will be involved in the processing of that data. Fieldwork will involve boating, snorkeling and diving in marine and estuarine environments.

The project will involve significant collaboration with NSW DPIRD Scientists, Technicians and Managers and will support a variety of research students (Honours, Masters and PhD). This position will typically be involved in running small teams to support student project fieldwork. In this role you will also have the opportunity to be involved to various levels with data analysis and writing of outputs.

• Support timely research execution, organisational skills, ensure compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
• Facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders, address concerns proactively, foster collaboration.
• Manage resources, undertake additional duties within classification level as required.
• Prioritise and coordinate health and safety activities, including safety drills and risk management in daily operations.
• Plan and lead coastal fieldwork, organisational logistics, maintain field equipment, ensure safety and ethics compliance.
• Assist with data collection and analysis, process biological data, coordinate accurate reporting and documentation of research outputs.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in marine biology or a related discipline, preferably with demonstrated experience in a related role.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related discipline.
• A current NSW driver's license - minimum class C.
• A NSW recreational boating license or equivalent.
• Experience conducting marine fieldwork, including animal tracking and general fish ecology-related research.
• Demonstrated technical experience in marine biodiversity assessment and implementation of scientific monitoring programs.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to managing large datasets and comfortable using Microsoft Office suite.
• Experienced snorkeler.
• Experience operating boats in marine environments and trailering them.
• Experience working in large teams.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Scientific diving qualification (AS2815.6 - Restricted Occupational Scuba Diving).
• Experience with data collection, QAQC procedures and data analysis.
• Experience with R programming language.
• Fish dissection experience, including otolith analysis.
• Analysis of video data from marine systems (e.g. BRUVs, DOVs).

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve.

Please submit your application via the provided link. Please ensure you address your suitability against all key responsibilities as well as required and desirable skills and qualifications in your cover letter.