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Indigenous Pilot Deployment Program (PDP) Field Technical Officer
IT
Townsville, QLD, Australia
AUD 79,053-99,105 / year
Posted on Aug 19, 2026
About this exciting opportunity
The Indigenous Field Technical Officer plays a key role in supporting multidisciplinary field-based research and the Reef Restoration Pilot Deployment Program. The position involves substantial fieldwork throughout the year, particularly during coral spawning and summer periods, and requires strong technical, organisational and practical skills. Key responsibilities include supporting data collection and analysis, coordinating field logistics, maintaining equipment and consumables, assisting with boating and diving operations, and leading field teams to ensure projects are delivered safely and effectively. The role also contributes to the development of operating procedures, technical reports and scientific manuscripts, while ensuring all field activities are conducted in accordance with relevant research permits and procedures.
A central aspect of the role is building meaningful participation and collaboration with Traditional Owners and Indigenous rangers throughout program activities and providing supervision, guidance and training to staff, interns, trainees, visitors, stakeholders and Indigenous participants, while fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive field environment.
About you
You are an experienced Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander marine or environmental professional who combines strong scientific and technical capability with cultural knowledge coupled with a genuine commitment to reef restoration and marine monitoring. You will bring relevant qualifications and substantial professional experience in marine science, biology, ecology or Indigenous studies, with practical knowledge of coral early life stages, coral production and reef restoration. This may include marine fieldwork, coral production, reef restoration, caring for Sea Country or working in cross-cultural settings. An equivalent combination of qualifications and experience will also be considered. You will have practical experience supporting field-based operations, with foundational experience in areas such as boating, diving and transport, and an interest and willingness to further develop these skills. Training and development will be supported to enable the successful candidate to attain the Dive Supervisor and Cruise Leader competencies required for the role. Our ideal candidate will have strong skills in coral and benthic surveys, experimental data collection, sample curation, QA/QC and data management, as well as the ability to identify key Great Barrier Reef coral species to genus or species level.
Beyond your technical expertise, you will be a confident, adaptable and culturally aware team member who can build respectful relationships with Traditional Owners, Indigenous rangers, researchers, stakeholders and other project partners. You will remain calm and solutions-focused when working under pressure, manage competing priorities effectively and be equally comfortable working independently or leading diverse field teams. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, particularly when navigating cross-cultural environments or sensitive personnel and cultural matters, where diplomacy, discretion and respect are required.
Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:
- AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced (3.1 - 3.9) salary ($79,053 to $99,105 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
- Full-time, Temporary (Labour hire) opportunity to 30 June 2028
- Located in Townsville (Qld)
- 9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnight
- Flexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)
- Generous and supportive leave entitlements
- Access to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)
- Employee Assistance Program
Discover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.
Next step:
Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download below. If, after reviewing the position description, which is included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
Further information on the application process and tips for addressing Selection Criteria is available in our website Recruitment process | AIMS.
Submitting your application:
Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via the "apply now" button below.
Position enquiries can be directed to Jordan Ivey, Indigenous Futures Coordinator at j.ivey@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.
Applications close: FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026 (11.45PM, AEST).
Attachments:
- 22101 Candidate Information Pack.pdf