Aquatic Project Officer | Casual

Act-Government; Canberra; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Nature Conservation in the ACT is seeking a casual Aquatic Project Officer (PO1) to support freshwater ecology, fisheries management and conservation programs across the ACT. You’ll work in the Aquatic and Riparian team, combining field, laboratory and office tasks.

The role includes aquatic fauna surveys, fish and crayfish monitoring, data management, reporting and involvement in fisheries activities.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in ecology, environmental management, biology or related discipline.
• Current Australian driver's licence and ability to operate a 4WD.
• Ability to swim and perform physically demanding fieldwork.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork and irregular hours.
• Ability to obtain appointment as Conservation Officer and Fisheries Officer.
• Desirable: electrofishing experience or qualifications.
• Knowledge of fisheries management and animal ethics.

Responsibilities

• Support freshwater ecology and fisheries management programs.
• Conduct aquatic fauna surveys and monitoring of fish and crayfish.
• Perform laboratory analyses and aquatic animal husbandry.
• Manage data and assist in reporting.
• Contribute to conservation of native aquatic species.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Independent and team work

Field and project delivery

Education

Tertiary qualification in ecology/environmental management/biological sciences

Tools

GIS

Databases

Statistical software

Boat operation

Electrofishing equipment

Job description

Details: The Office of Nature Conservation is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated casual Aquatic Project Officer at PO1 level to support the delivery of freshwater ecology, fisheries management and conservation programs across the ACT. Working within the Aquatic and Riparian team, you will contribute to ecological monitoring and research programs through a combination of field, laboratory and office-based work. The role includes assisting with aquatic fauna surveys, fish and crayfish monitoring, laboratory analysis, aquatic animal husbandry, data management, reporting and fisheries management activities. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the conservation of native aquatic species and the sustainable management of ACT fisheries.

We are seeking someone with:

• Knowledge of ecology, environmental management or biological sciences, particularly freshwater ecosystems.
• Experience collecting, managing and analysing aquatic environmental data.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A practical and organised approach to delivering scientific and operational projects.

Experience in fish surveys, fisheries management, GIS, aquatic animal husbandry, laboratory techniques, boating, angling or electrofishing will be highly regarded.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other requirements:

Mandatory

• A tertiary qualification (or equivalent) in ecology, environmental management, biological sciences or a related discipline.
• A current Australian driver's licence and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle.
• Ability to swim and undertake physically demanding fieldwork, including carrying equipment, working in and around waterways, and traversing uneven terrain.
• Ability to obtain medical clearance required to participate in electrofishing operations.
• Willingness and ability to undertake fieldwork, occasionally work outside standard business hours, and work in adverse weather conditions when required.
• Ability to obtain appointment as a Conservation Officer under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 and a Fisheries Officer under the Fisheries Act 2000.

Highly Desirable

• Experience or qualifications in electrofishing.
• Recreational Boat Licence and/or Coxswain qualification.
• Knowledge of fisheries management, recreational angling and animal ethics.
• Experience using GIS, databases and statistical software.
• Experience maintaining aquatic survey equipment, including boats, nets and electrofishing equipment.
• Experience with captive fish or crayfish care.

Notes: This position will be offered on a casual basis and the full-time salary noted above will be paid pro-rata. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill similar vacancies over the next 12 months.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

Note

This position will be offered on a casual basis and the full-time salary noted above will be paid pro-rata