Seabird Research Officer

Research Scientist (APS6 - EL1) - $95,438 - $134,295 per annum plus superannuation
- Australian Antarctic Division
- Hobart, TAS
- _Support the delivery of long-term seabird research and monitoring to meet Australia’s international monitoring obligations and engagement related to seabirds. _
- _Coordinate and prepare documentation to support the research operations and train field teams to deliver high-quality science to underpin AAD evidence-based advice into national and international policy and applied management fora._
- _ Collaborate with team research scientists and field staff to deliver research projects that support and inform Australia’s engagement and scientific contribution to CCAMLR, to detect emerging issues for seabirds, and to minimise impacts from human activities on Antarctic wildlife_

**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 responsibilities of the Science Branch are diverse as we lead the Australian Government’s scientific program in Antarctica. Our research addresses critical issues including climate change, ensuring sustainable and well managed Southern Ocean fisheries, the human footprint in Antarctica, and the conservation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean wildlife. Our program covers physical and life sciences in the atmosphere, terrestrial and marine domains. The Branch provides scientific advice, conducts impact assessments, and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.

The Southern Ocean Ecosystems Program (SOEP) is responsible for delivering science stemming from sustained monitoring and targeted research of key biological components of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. SOEP research ensures sustainable and well managed Southern Ocean fisheries to support protection, conservation and management of Antarctic wildlife with an understanding that krill are the foundation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Within this Program, the objective of the Seabird Conservation Team is to provide seabird research and monitoring to facilitate decisions to achieve ecosystem-based management approaches for fisheries, for understanding and minimising impacts from human activities across the Australian Antarctic program, and to understand the impacts of climate change on these important and iconic species.

This work delivers on a range of interdisciplinary and policy-relevant projects, with research outputs informing international fora including the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), and monitoring of Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs). The work directly supports the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan (2022 Update), and the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy 2025-2035, contributing to international commitments and strategic research collaborations with other national and international programs.

**The Job**
- Lead the preparation for field seasons including planning, coordination, training and/or supervising field teams, liaison with station personnel, the AAD logistics and operations teams, and maintenance, storage, purchasing and packing of scientific equipment.
- Supervise field season activities to safely and effectively achieve research team objectives and ensure adherence to established field procedures and compliance with multiple permits and AAD standard operating procedures.
- Liaise with AAD head office staff and in Antarctica to maintain camera fleet infrastructure and image downloading and management for a remote camera network.
- Participate in remote fieldwork as part of small teams in Antarctica to deliver seabird research and monitorin