Research Scientist – Community Based Fisheries

Department Of Primary Industries And Regions; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 112,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) invites applications for a PO3 Research Scientist in Community-Based Fisheries. You will lead stock assessments for the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery, integrate fisheries data, and provide scientific advice to support sustainable management across the state.

The role involves field, laboratory and analytical work, publishing findings, presenting to stakeholders and pursuing external funding.

Qualifications

• Essential: Post-graduate degree in Science with a major in fisheries, zoology or related discipline.
• Desirable: Coxswain certification or ADAS commercial dive qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to stock assessments and fisheries research for the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery and other Community-Based Fisheries projects, including recreational fishing surveys.
• Deliver scientific advice that informs sustainable fisheries management and policy decisions.
• Analyse and interpret fisheries, biological and ecological data to assess fish populations and support stock assessments.
• Design, manage and deliver research projects from inception through to publication.
• Lead field, laboratory and data collection activities that support fisheries research and stock assessment programs.
• Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports and stock assessment reports.
• Present research outcomes to government, industry, stakeholder groups and scientific audiences.
• Build strong partnerships with PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, licence holders and research organisations.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities to advance fisheries research.
• Provide scientific expertise across field, laboratory and analytical programs.

Education

Post-graduate degree in Science with a major in fisheries, zoology or related discipline

Job description

Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 863585
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Shape the Future of South Australia's Marine Fisheries
South Australia's marine fisheries are vital environmental, economic and community assets. As a Research Scientist with SARDI Aquatic Sciences, your research will directly inform the sustainable management of these valuable resources, helping ensure they remain productive and resilient for future generations.
Working within the Community-Based Fisheries Sub-Program, you will lead scientific research and stock assessments for the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery while contributing to broader fisheries science initiatives. Through innovative research, advanced data analysis and scientific leadership, you will integrate fishery-dependent, fishery-independent and biological information to assess the status of fish stocks and provide the evidence that underpins fisheries management decisions across the state.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence sustainable resource management through the delivery of high-quality scientific information and advice. Your work will help government, industry and stakeholders make informed decisions that balance environmental sustainability, economic value and community benefit.
You'll lead complex research projects, including field, laboratory and analytical components, develop stock assessments, publish scientific findings, and communicate outcomes to a diverse range of audiences. From industry meetings and management advisory groups to national and international conferences, your expertise will help shape the future of fisheries science and management in South Australia.
Working collaboratively with researchers, managers and industry stakeholders, you will also identify emerging research opportunities and pursue external funding to support innovative projects that strengthen the sustainable management of our marine resources.

What You'll Do

• Lead and contribute to stock assessments and fisheries research for the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery and other Community-Based Fisheries projects, including recreational fishing surveys.
• Deliver scientific advice that informs sustainable fisheries management and policy decisions.
• Analyse and interpret fisheries, biological and ecological data to assess fish populations and support stock assessments.
• Design, manage and deliver research projects from inception through to publication.
• Lead field, laboratory and data collection activities that support fisheries research and stock assessment programs.
• Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports and stock assessment reports.
• Present research outcomes to government, industry, stakeholder groups and scientific audiences.
• Build strong partnerships with PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, licence holders and research organisations.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities to advance fisheries research.
• Provide scientific expertise across field, laboratory and analytical programs.

What We're Looking For

You are a highly capable fisheries scientist with expertise in applied research, quantitative analysis and science communication. You enjoy solving complex challenges, translating data into meaningful insights, and collaborating with partners to deliver practical outcomes.
Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to apply science where it makes a difference, contributing to the sustainable management of South Australia's valuable fishery resources.

Why Join Us?

In return, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful work with tangible environmental, economic and community outcomes.
• Opportunities to lead and contribute to nationally significant fisheries research.
• Collaboration with respected scientists and industry experts.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• The opportunity to present your work nationally and internationally.

If you're looking for a role where your science informs decisions, shapes policy and helps secure the future of South Australia's marine fisheries, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.
We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Opportunity up to December 2028.
• Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Regular intra-state and occasional inter-state travel.
• Regular work outside normal working hours.
• Possession of a current C class driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• May require field trips on research and commercial vessels.
• Willingness to complete additional training as required (e.g. coxswains).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A post-graduate degree in Science with a major in fisheries, zoology or related discipline (or equivalent research experience) is required.

Desirable:

• Coxswain certification or higher
• ADAS commercial dive qualification

Remuneration

PO3 - $111,870 min - $119,994 max per annum, plus superannuation

Confidential Enquiries

Crystal Beckmann
Research Scientist
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Applications close: 22/11/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#2.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO3 Research Scientist - Community-Based Fisheries#2.pdf

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.