Jobs and Careers

• Oversee resource management and facilitate world class research across the aquaculture facilities
• Ensure all activities comply with health and safety, biosecurity, animal ethics and permitting regulations
• Ongoing, full-time role based in Hobart

About the opportunity

The Aquaculture Facilities Manager will provide high-level technical expertise and leadership for all projects and teaching that occurs in aquaculture systems and laboratories based at IMAS Taroona. Duties will include working closely with research staff and their Higher Degree Research students to manage resources and facilitate world-leading research in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine ecology across all IMAS Taroona aquaculture facilities. This role requires a deep understanding of cutting-edge scientific advancements in these fields to support the successful design and execution of complex research projects.

This role is responsible for leading and managing a highly skilled technical team in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of aquaculture systems and infrastructure. It involves overseeing the development and operation of aquaculture laboratories, ensuring that all systems function efficiently, safely, and in compliance with industry and regulatory standards. A key aspect of the role is ensuring compliance with biosecurity protocols, animal ethics requirements, workplace health and safety regulations, and permitting obligations related to aquaculture research and operations.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety, biosecurity, animal ethics, and permitting requirements for all aquaculture facilities activities at IMAS Taroona.
• Identify operational risks and hazards, develop risk assessments, and conduct inductions to ensure the safe use of aquaculture and laboratory equipment.
• Design, construct, operate, and maintain aquaculture infrastructure and equipment, including recirculating aquaculture systems, ozone generation systems, pumps, aquarium hardware, and monitoring infrastructure.
• Provide expert technical assistance in planning, preparing, and executing research projects, including risk management consultation, facilitation of project plan submissions, and staff and student support.
• Provide technical expertise in the design, development, construction, and operation of experimental aquaculture systems, incorporating the latest advancements in aquaculture technology and best practices.
• Train technical staff in the use of aquaculture systems and equipment, while providing logistical and technical support to students, fostering hands-on learning and research engagement.
• Liaise with research partners, oversee external contractors, and contribute to collaborative projects that enhance aquaculture facility capabilities and research outcomes.
• Participate in the weekend and after-hours on-call roster, providing emergency backup support for the aquarium and IMAS Taroona site to ensure system reliability and operational continuity

What we’re looking for:

• Degree-level qualification in Aquaculture, Laboratory-related fields, or a similar discipline, with at least ten years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse individuals under varying circumstances, maintaining a professional yet friendly and approachable manner. This includes experience supervising and managing staff.
• Demonstrated experience in managing aquaculture or laboratory systems, including the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of complex systems. The ability to identify and resolve variances.
• Expert technical support in research experiments, ensuring adherence to strict laboratory protocols, solving problems, providing solutions, and following direction within a complex research environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and collaborators.
• Ability to work independently and within a diverse team environment, establishing positive working relationships with colleagues. Experience in supervising students and providing regular reports to supervisors is essential.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to act independently within established guidelines, using sound judgement and discretion.
• Demonstrated knowledge of work health and safety practices, and the ability to influence positive changes to safety behaviour and expectations.

Salary details

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 8 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $147,034 comprising base salary within the range of $110,524 to $125,670 plus 17% superannuation.

How to Apply

• This vacancy is being advertised internally only in the first instance to current staff.
• In submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile criteria.
• For further information about this position, please contact Andrew Trotter, Senior Research Fellow - Aquaculture Production, andrew.trotter@utas.edu.au or 03 6226 8215.
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 501157 - Aquaculture Facilities Manager.pdf

Applications close Sunday, 29 June 2025, 11.55pm

To be eligible for this position, you are required to have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or a current valid visa that allows you to fulfil the requirements of this role.