Technical Assistant Fisheries (Targeted)

Department of Regional NSW; Grafton; On-site; AUD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking a hands-on Technical Assistant to support fisheries research projects in Grafton. The role involves fieldwork, laboratory tasks and helping to manage hatchery and aquaculture operations, with occasional travel to waterways and remote sites.

You will work with scientists and technical staff, record data accurately and comply with safety and quality procedures.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2 (xv) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award.
• A valid NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain requirements such as Senior First Aid, a boat licence and/or 4WD experience.
• For some marine monitoring or fisheries resource assessment activities, SCUBA or Coxswain qualifications may also be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field surveys, data collection, laboratory and hatchery activities.
• Help coordinate fieldwork, hatchery runs and aquaculture operations.
• Accurately record and enter scientific data.
• Assist with construction, maintenance and repair of field, scientific, and aquaculture equipment.
• Support safe working practices and quality management processes.
• Work collaboratively with scientists, technical officers and other members of the research team.

Skills

Field surveys

Data collection

Laboratory work

Aquaculture operations

Data entry

Job description

• Technical Assistant Grade 1/3 starting salary from $65,268 + super & leave
• Location: Grafton NSW
• 6-month Temporary Full time

If you enjoy practical work, being outdoors and contributing to meaningful research, this could be the opportunity for you.

Join our Fisheries research team as a Technical Assistant and support scientific projects that help us better understand and manage NSW's aquatic environments and fisheries resources.

We value the perspectives, knowledge and experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our workplace and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

About the role

As a Technical Assistant, you'll work alongside scientists and technical specialists to support a diverse range of fisheries research projects. Your work may take you from the laboratory to waterways and remote field locations, including vessel-based and in-water activities.

No two days will necessarily look the same. Depending on the project, you may:

• assist with field surveys, data collection, laboratory and hatchery activities
• help coordinate fieldwork, hatchery runs and aquaculture operations
• accurately record and enter scientific data
• assist with the construction, maintenance and repair of field, scientific, and aquaculture equipment
• support safe working practices and quality management processes
• work collaboratively with scientists, technical officers and other members of the research team.

This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys working as part of a team, is comfortable learning new skills and can adapt to changing field conditions and priorities.

About you

We're looking for someone who is practical, reliable and keen to contribute to quality scientific research.

You’ll be comfortable working across a mix of laboratory and field environments and willing to travel and work in remote locations for extended periods when required. You’ll bring a strong commitment to safety, accurate data collection and following established research procedures.

To be successful, you’ll also need:

• qualifications in accordance with Part 2 (xv) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award
• a valid NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel
• the ability to meet the physical requirements of the role
• the ability to obtain and maintain relevant requirements such as Senior First Aid, a boat licence and/or 4WD experience.

For some marine monitoring or fisheries resource assessment activities, an appropriate SCUBA qualification or Coxswain qualification may also be required.

For further information about the role please contact Louise McKenzie, Research Leader Aquaculture Research on [e-mail] or 0447 125 166. You can also view the Role Description.

Application Closing Date

11:55pm Wednesday, 25 November 2026

Recruitment Adjustments

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to [e-mail] or contact the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

About Us: Together, we are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible - a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Additional Information

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.