• Full time 35 hours per week
• Temporary (fixed term) until 30 June 2027 with potential for further extension
• Location: Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach
• Grade: Technical Officer Grade 1/3, starting at $ 75,728.00 plus super

About the Role
The Technical Officer Grade 3 is responsible for delivering specialised field, laboratory and operational activities in support of research within the Marine Ecosystems Research Unit of DPIRD Fisheries Research. The role focuses on estuarine habitats, principally seagrass and oyster reefs, as part of an estuarine blue carbon project and will provide technical assistance to scientists across all stages of project delivery.

Responsibilities include planning and conducting field sampling, laboratory processing and identification of macroinvertebrates from soft sediment and oyster reef habitats, maintenance of aquarium experiments, equipment management, and spatial analysis using ArcGIS. The role involves a combination of fieldwork, laboratory work, and office-based duties.

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in planning and leading specialised estuarine fieldwork, including vessel use.
• Proven ability to supervise, train and lead the day-to-day work of students and casual staff as required, mainly in relation to field and laboratory procedures.
• Proven expertise in GIS and spatial mapping of estuarine habitats, with the capacity to work independently and exercise sound judgement with limited supervision.
• Comprehensive field sampling experience, including collection and processing of soft sediment cores and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.
• Strong taxonomic skills in the field identification of estuarine plants, and the identification and laboratory sorting of estuarine infauna, particularly macroinvertebrates associated with soft sediments and oyster reefs.
• Experience in setting up and maintaining aquarium experiments, ideally involving seagrass.

Essential Requirements

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2(xvii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award.
• Demonstrated expertise with GIS and mapping habitats
• Demonstrated experience in planning and leading specialised fieldwork including vessel operations, sampling soft sediments and eDNA collection.
• Demonstrated experience in microscopic work, including identification of infauna.
• Experience establishing and maintaining aquarium experiments.
• Current NSW driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel to remote locations within NSW.
• Relevant qualifications and experience in vessel operations in accordance with applicable boating safety standards (e.g. Coxswain certificate).
• Demonstrated relevant training and experience to undertake general diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2815 and the NSW WHS Regulations.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, how you fit the essential requirements, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact on 0437 152 416 or email victoria.cole@dpird.nsw.gov.au. 

Applications close: Day, Date at 11:55pm Monday 1st June 2026 AEDT.

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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

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.

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

Additional Information
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
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.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.