Research Officer

**Department of Primary Industries and Regions**
**Job reference**: 702253
**Location**: 5024 - WEST BEACH
**Job status**: Short Term Contract
**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**The Opportunity**

We have an opportunity for a Research Officer - Marine Ecosystems to be part of our South Australian Research and Development Institute Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

**Purpose**

The primary purpose of the role is to support the delivery of research projects undertaken within the Marine Ecosystems Program. A key focus will be undertaking field work and research to enhance the resilience of Australian sea lion populations by designing, trialling, and evaluating the effectiveness of purpose-built pup shelters that provide shade and protection at thermally exposed breeding sites.

A focus will be on monitoring climatic conditions and behavioural responses of animals using remotely deployed shelters. The role contributes to delivering high-quality science and research services to internal and external clients.

The role contributes delivering the agency’s priorities including ‘sustain the resource’ and ‘manage risk and recovery’ by informing the sustainable management of South Australia’s seafood and marine-based industries, effective management of marine environmental assets, and enhanced resilience of regional communities through science-led innovation and policy advice. The role contributes to delivering SARDI

**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.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (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 the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, 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.
- Opportunity up to October 2026.
- Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

**Requirements**:

- Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
- Willingness to undertake out-of-hours work and intra-state travel.
- Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
- Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork in remote, exposed, and marine environments.
- Ability to statistically analyse large environmental and biological datasets.
- The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.

**Qualifications**
- Degree qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., marine biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science).
- Current First Aid certificate and willingness to complete Remote Area First Aid training.

**Remuneration**

PO1 - $68,478 min - $83,594 max per annum, plus superannuation

**Enquiries**

Roger Kirkwood
Research Scientist
Phone: 0884292515

**Application Instructions**

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Responsibility and Achievement Orientation capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

**_Flexibility Statement_**
- The South_ _Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role._

**Applications close**: 16/10/2025 11:45 PM

**Attachments**:

- A7121687_Attatchment F - Proposed - Role Description - Research Officer - Marine Ecosystems (PO1)#2.pdf
- Application Guidelines#3.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

**Flexibility Statement**
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.