We are seeking an experienced aquarist to join our team in the destocking of an Aquarium as well as the continued care of the animals at an external site.

The Person

The suitable candidate will be agile and adaptive in the way they work, open to change and willing to explore innovative ways of working. When you work for us, you understand that leadership exists at all levels and you display this at all times. You work collaboratively to deliver results and display the personal drive and integrity expected of an Australian Public Service (APS) employee.

 You will be experienced in captive aquatic animal husbandry, including nutrition and feeding techniques, disease control and animal behaviour in an aquarium setting.

 You will have an understanding of water quality, maintenance and filtration, including familiarity with a variety of life support systems.

 Be flexible and adaptable including making the most of a challenging or unfamiliar environment, the ability to act with urgency and respond positively to situations.

 You will have the ability to problem solve, including the diagnosis of causal factors and what changes need to be made to resolve the issues.

 You have a passion for aquaria and marine animals.

 You work cohesively in a team environment.

Duties

1. Maintain aquaria exhibits and life support systems in accordance with policy and procedures (including records and registers).

2. Participate in dive maintenance feeding, animal care, on-call and system check rosters as required - includes maintenance and care of pumps and filtration equipment, common facilities such as animal isolation, food preparation, vehicles and work areas.

3. Under the direction of the Curatorial Supervisor, and in consultation with other Technical Operations staff, contribute to the ongoing development of husbandry and display techniques and protocols including the development and construction of new exhibits and exhibit stocking in order to support the delivery of key reef education and sustainability messages.

4. In collaboration with the Curatorial team, develop and maintain Coral propagation and other aquaculture responsibilities as required.

Essential requirements

• Maintain aquaria exhibits and life support systems in accordance with policy and procedures (including records and registers).
• Participate in dive maintenance feeding, animal care, on-call and system check rosters as required - includes maintenance and care of pumps and filtration equipment, common facilities such as animal isolation, food preparation, vehicles and work areas.
• Under the direction of the Curatorial Supervisor, and in consultation with other Technical Operations staff, contribute to the ongoing development of husbandry and display techniques and protocols including the development and construction of new exhibits and exhibit stocking in order to support the delivery of key reef education and sustainability messages.
• In collaboration with the Curatorial team, develop and maintain Coral propagation and other aquaculture responsibilities as required.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience

• Hold, or be willing to obtain, a SCUBA diving certification that meets GBRMPA minimum requirements (ADAS Aquarium Diver, ADAS Part 1 or Dive Master)
• Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience in Marine Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture or related topics.
• E-quarist course (or similar specific captive population management training)
• Previous qualifications or experience with animal disease control and biosecurity considerations
• Experience with coral propagation and coral reef ecosystems.
• Mechanical aptitude, experience with workshop tools and fabrication techniques for marine aquatic systems
• Previous experience mentoring and providing on-the-job training and feedback.
• Have a current unrestricted Australian driver's licence.

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