Fisheries Project Officer

Australasian Fish Passage Services Pty Ltd · $65,000 - $80,000 p.a. Full-time.; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Australasian Fish Passage Services Pty Ltd is seeking a Fisheries Project Officer to assist with the implementation of fish passage projects, fish migration monitoring and research across Eastern Australia. The role will be based in Newcastle or Rockhampton with travel across eastern regions, and may include overseas roles.

You will contribute to field sampling, data entry and reporting, assist with habitat rehabilitation projects, and support project teams in remote locations.

Qualifications

• A qualification in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, natural resource management or a related field.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and work flexible hours when required.
• Willingness to learn and use field sampling equipment relevant to fisheries work.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Recreational Boat Licence.
• Coxwains Grade 3 Certification or, ability to obtain one.
• White Card (Construction Induction) or ability to obtain one.
• Current CPR and/or First Aid training or willingness to complete it.
• Unrestricted Driver’s Licence with a safe driving history.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of projects by assisting with communications with stakeholders and landholders, under supervision.
• Assist with GIS mapping and data entry tasks to support project planning and reporting.
• Help prepare waterway barrier works assessments under guidance from senior staff.
• Participate in biological sampling of freshwater fish communities, including assisting with electrofishing, netting and trapping.
• Assist with field logistics and on-site support during habitat rehabilitation project construction and monitoring.
• Support senior staff and contractors during the construction and monitoring phases of projects.
• Enter and organise sampling data, and assist with basic data checks and summaries.
• Help prepare figures, tables, and contribute to drafting sections of technical and non-technical reports and presentations.
• Carry out administrative tasks as directed to support the daily operations of AFPS

Skills

Communication skills

Willingness to travel

Basic computer skills

Driver's Licence

First Aid/CPR

Boat licence

White Card

Education

Fisheries science / aquatic ecology / natural resource management degree

Tools

GIS mapping

Job description

Australasian Fish Passage Services Pty Ltd · $65,000 - $80,000 p.a. Full-time. – Newcastle NSW

Australasian Fish Passage Services Pty Ltd (AFPS) is a leading environmental consulting practice that provides fisheries related design, approvals, construction, and monitoring services to a wide range of government and non-government clients. Our website gives a great overview of the wide range of projects we undertake ausfishpassage.com.

We are currently seeking a Fisheries Project Officer to assist with implementation of fish passage projects, fish migration monitoring and fish passage research throughout Eastern Australia. The position will be based in either Newcastle or Rockhampton but working throughout Eastern Australia with the possibility of overseas roles.

AFPS works to preserve the natural resources of riverine and wetland fish habitats throughout Australia and overseas, with a particular focus on fish habitat rehabilitation, fish passages and fishways. AFPS supports the fish and fishermen of these waterways by protecting and restoring fish communities, to provide biodiverse fisheries, as well as recreational, artisanal and commercial fishing opportunities into the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of projects by assisting with communications with stakeholders and landholders, under supervision.
• Assist with GIS mapping and data entry tasks to support project planning and reporting.
• Help prepare waterway barrier works assessments under guidance from senior staff.
• Participate in biological sampling of freshwater fish communities, including assisting with electrofishing, netting and trapping.
• Assist with field logistics and on-site support during habitat rehabilitation project construction and monitoring.
• Support senior staff and contractors during the construction and monitoring phases of projects.
• Enter and organise sampling data, and assist with basic data checks and summaries.
• Help prepare figures, tables, and contribute to drafting sections of technical and non-technical reports and presentations.
• Carry out administrative tasks as directed to support the daily operations of AFPS

Mandatory Qualifications/Requirements

• A qualification in fisheries science, aquatic ecology, natural resource management or a related field.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and work flexible hours when required.
• Willingness to learn and use field sampling equipment relevant to fisheries work.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Recreational Boat Licence.
• Coxwains Grade 3 Certification or, ability to obtain one.
• White Card (Construction Induction) or ability to obtain one.
• Current CPR and/or First Aid training or willingness to complete it.
• Unrestricted Driver’s Licence with a safe driving history.

Desirable Qualifications/Requirements

• Some experience or training in identifying native fish species.
• Understanding of basic data analysis and presentation techniques.
• Clear and concise writing ability, especially for technical content.
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to engage with a range of stakeholders.
• Confidence in operating vehicles and small boats (training can be provided).
• Demonstrated attention to detail, especially when recording or handling data.

Physical Requirements

This position would suit someone of moderate physical fitness and may require:

• Walking or standing on rough terrain while carrying moderate loads
• Using a long pole on the front of a boat and lifting large fish in nets
• Lifting and/or carrying objects such as moderately heavy tools and nets
• Working in hot conditions
• Working in remote locations

Fieldwork

This position involves extensive fieldwork, often requiring travel away from the home base for periods of up to three weeks at a time. Field sites are frequently located in remote areas and may involve working in challenging environmental conditions, including extreme heat or cold, and in rugged terrain. The role requires flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to variable schedules and field conditions. Applicants must be prepared for extended travel and physically demanding work. If you are not willing or able to travel regularly for fieldwork, this position will not be suitable.

Why Work for Us

AFPS is a small consultancy, where you'll be part of an integrated team overseeing a wide range of projects across a broad geographic range. This provides employees with great opportunities for learning across a wide range of fisheries, GIS and environmental engineering fields. AFPS undertakes a wide range of field and office-based activities that keeps employees engaged with new challenges daily, as well as providing the opportunity to work independently in a flexible working arrangement.

• See the position description attached below for further information about this role.