Field Operations Manager

Department of Primary Industries and Regions; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1 147 000 - 1 213 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in South Africa seeks a Field Operations Manager to manage scientific monitoring projects. This role involves providing expertise in oceanography and ensuring data quality for marine ecosystems. Candidates must hold a postgraduate qualification in marine science or related field and a C class driver's license. Responsibilities include overseeing funding opportunities and enhancing sustainable marine resource management. The position offers a full-time contract with competitive remuneration and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Opportunities for career progression

Learning and development

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Must possess a current C class driver’s license.
• Demonstrated competency in driving and towing vehicle/vessel combinations.
• Willingness to complete emergency management training.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver scientific outcomes from monitoring projects.
• Provide scientific expertise to the Oceanography Subprogram.
• Pursue external funding opportunities for marine research.

Skills

Marine science

Oceanography

Driving and towing

Emergency management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in marine science or related discipline

Tools

Vessel operation

Electrical engineering knowledge

Job description

Department of Primary Industries and Regions – West Beach SA

Job Type: Contract position | Full time position

Job Description

The Opportunity We have an opportunity for a Field Operations Manager to be part of our South Australian Research and Development Institute Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions. The primary purpose of this role is to manage and deliver scientific outcomes from state and national monitoring projects operated by the SARDI Oceanography Subprogram, including multiple regional operations undertaken for the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).

Key regional IMOS activities include the delivery of key long-term, sustained ocean observations through the South Australian and Victorian National Mooring Facilities and the South Australian Coastal Wave Buoy Facility. The Field Operations Manager provides up-to-date scientific expertise and support to the Oceanography Subprogram within the Marine Ecosystems Program at SARDI Aquatic Sciences. The Oceanography Sub-program undertakes physical and biogeochemical data collection and hydrodynamic modelling research to understand ocean circulation, marine connectivity and dispersal, ocean climate, and lower trophic ecosystem ecology across South Australian, Victorian and southern continental shelf waters.

The role is responsible for managing state-of-the-art oceanographic near-real-time and delayed mode shelf, coastal and estuarine oceanographic and biogeochemical/ water quality observing systems and ensuring data streams meet national and international standards. The role contributes to the sustainable management of South Australia’s aquaculture industries and marine resources by delivering high-quality oceanographic data, scientific advice, project reports, contributions to peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to industry and scientific communities. The role will also pursue external funding opportunities and manage oceanographic instrumentation assets.

The role contributes delivering the agency’s priorities including ‘sustain the resource’ and ‘Manage risk and recovery’ by informing the sustainable management of South Australia’s seafood and marine-based industries, effective management of marine environmental assets, and enhanced resilience of regional communities through science-led innovation and policy advice.

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. It’s no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

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.

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 for three years, potential to be extended (subject to funding). Full time opportunity, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

Possession of a current C class driver’s license and willingness to drive/tow trailers. Out of hours work and inter / intrastate travel may be required.

Fieldwork may require extended periods on large and small Government and industry vessels. Willingness to complete additional training as required. You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations when applying for a role.

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.

The incumbent will be required to contribute to whole-of-agency working groups developing PIRSA policy responses to significant and emerging issues as required.

Qualifications

Essential: Postgraduate qualification(s) in marine science with a major in Oceanography or related discipline. Class C driver’s licence with demonstrated competency in driving and towing vehicle/vessel combinations.

Desirable: Electrical engineering qualification or demonstrated relevant experience and/or knowledge/skills. Coxswain certification or higher. Remote first aid training. Elements of Shipboard Safety certification.

Remuneration

PO3 - $101,285 min - $107,078 max per annum, plus superannuation

Contact

Research Scientist - Sub Program Leader
Phone: [phone]***
Email: ************@sa.gov.au
Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please refer to the applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Achievement Orientation and Initiative capabilities from the role description. This can be located from the link below: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/page.php? pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=887002#brs_jbcontent

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form. Applications close: 14/12/2025 11:45 PM