Technical Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615
- Australian Antarctic
- Hobart - TAS
- This position is part of a small team which conducts fisheries and ecosystem research at the AAD.
- Under the broad direction of the Fisheries team’s co-leads, the position will primarily assist in the routine ageing of toothfish caught in the Australian fishery at Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), Macquarie Island, as well as in the exploratory fisheries in the Convention Area of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
- The position will also provide technical support for laboratory-based studies across a range of projects related to Australia’s Southern Ocean fisheries.

**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 and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides 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 Fisheries team are part of the Southern Ocean Ecosystems Program, one of five Programs within the AAD’s Science Branch. The Fisheries team conducts strategic research and provides management advice to support the sustainability of the Australian fisheries for Patagonian toothfish and Mackerel icefish in the Southern Ocean at Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) and Macquarie Island (MI), and the exploratory toothfish fisheries in the area managed by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Resources (CCAMLR).

**The Job**
Key duties of the role include:

- Lead and conduct routine ageing of toothfish caught in the Australia’s Southern Ocean fisheries.
- Lead technical support for laboratory-based studies across a range of projects.
- Contribute to data quality processes, data compilation and assist in the preparation of reports scientific papers.
- Maintain laboratory equipment in good order to ensure the efficient and safe conduct of research activities.
- Assist in the management of laboratory facilities and equipment.
- Promote the AAD fish ageing work in national and international fora.
- Contribute to the development of new ageing programs and instruct technical staff and students on fish ageing and other laboratory techniques.
- Contribute to a safe and healthy workplace, complete required training, and be proactive in contributing positively to safety management and workplace culture.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and analyse toothfish otoliths for age determination, as well as being well versed in general laboratory techniques.
- Competence in the use of databases, MS Excel and statistical software packages such as R for data storage and quality control.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and lead technical work independently with mínimal supervision, as well as in a team environment, to meet project objectives.

**Skills and capabilities**
- Sound judgment and innovative thinking.
- Work with a high level of accuracy and an ability to troubleshoot problems.
- Remain agile in response to ad-hoc requests, meet tight deadlines and develop new skills when required.
- Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture, and a safe and equitable workplace.
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication.

Please note that the successful applicant may be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they may be required to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments. In order to undertake travel to the Antarctic & sub-Antarctic regions they will need to:

- demonstrate the range of personal qualities