Marine Facilities Technician

Company Description

About Us

Minderoo Foundation takes on tough, persistent issues with the potential to drive massive change. We incubate ideas, advocate for systems change and accelerate impact. We push the limits of what is believed possible.

Minderoo Foundation is proudly Australian, independent, forward thinking and seeks effective, scalable solutions. Through bold, collaborative and selfless action, we seek to dismantle the systems that entrench inequality and advocate for a fairer future.

Minderoo's Natural Ecosystems Focus Area drives Minderoo's work in environment and conservation. It is dedicated to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems, safeguarded for all generations, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region and through our global influence. The 2030 Strategy targets this outcome for Australia and its neighbours, as we strive to act locally and think globally. Our approach emphasises the necessity of applying the Precautionary Principle to protect against serious and irreversible damage to our ecosystems and minimising climate change as a threat multiplier. We will protect and restore our natural ecosystems by fostering legislation, supporting research and development in science and technology, and developing sustainable financial models to balance the needs of our beneficiaries. We will overcome the climate challenge by supporting policy development, public education on climate urgency and demonstrating what a successful transition looks like domestically.

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Minderoo's Exmouth Research Laboratory (MERL) has a rare opening for a Marine Facilities Technician to support safe, effective lab and field-based research — with a strong focus on aquaria operations.

Day to day you will:

• Manage specialist contractors to ensure uninterrupted research operations.
• Maintain and monitor hydraulic, aeration, and water quality systems for aquaria.
• Apply water quality principles (e.g. pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrient cycles) to maintain optimal conditions.
• Modify and construct aquaria systems and research equipment as needed.
• Maintain stock of critical spares and consumables.
• Test, calibrate, install, and repair water quality sensors and control systems.
• Troubleshoot PLC and SCADA systems.
• Supervise researchers using aquaria systems, ensuring safety and technical support.
• Conduct general maintenance across MERL facilities (vessels, vehicles, accommodation).
• Participate in weekend and on-call work as rostered.
• Assist with MERL vessel operations and liaise with external researchers to adapt systems for project needs.
• Coordinate internal and external research projects.
• Support risk management and safe work practices.
• Perform general administrative duties.
• Contribute to innovative and impactful marine research.

Qualifications

About You

You bring hands-on experience with hydraulic systems, water quality management, aquarium design, and automation systems (PLC/SCADA). You're a logical problem-solver, comfortable working independently in fast-paced environments.

Essential:

• Trade qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong practical skills and experience managing contractors.
• Manual Driver's Licence.
• First Aid & Advanced Resuscitation certification.

Desirable:

• Instrumentation/Automation qualifications.
• Experience in aquatic animal husbandry.

The nature of aquaria and field research and experimentation means that non-traditional work hours will be a part of this role; consequently, you will be required to be part of the on-call roster rotated amongst staff to manage key aquaria systems and occasional weekend field work.

Additional Information

Next Steps

Please attach your resume and a cover letter explaining why you interested in this opportunity.

Applications close: Friday 24 October 2025.

Please note we reserve the right to extend closing date and/or close applications early should a suitable candidate be identified.

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Minderoo Foundation embraces Equal Opportunity and promotes diversity. We actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply.