• Ongoing, full-time opportunity
• Location – Taylors Beach but is negotiable
• Salary starting from Technical Officer Grade 4, $121,845 plus superannuation and leave loading

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.

About the Role

As the Technical Manager & Occupational Dive Officer, you will oversee the delivery of complex fisheries research marine operations - leading a specialised marine ecosystems technical team while ensuring all field and scientific diving activities are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

In this role you will be expected to engage with other senior technical staff and assist in delivering technical resources to support broader programs across Fisheries Research. Your role will play a critical part in ensuring that technical components of research programs are delivered on time and within a safe and compliant operating environment, including the activities of contractors. This will require management of technical resources, including training and development of staff, the upkeep of registers of technical equipment for maintenance and replacement, and representation on technical committees (e.g. Work Health and Safety). The role will also require you to provide technical advice into the development of research projects, and strategic planning into research programs, in collaboration with scientists and the Research Leader.

You’ll be at the core of enabling research that protects and enhances fish populations and aquatic ecosystems across NSW.

About You

You’re a confident leader with a strong technical foundation and a passion for delivering high-quality research outcomes. You bring:

• Experience leading technical or field-based teams in dynamic environments and complex operational settings
• Demonstrated capability in managing or supporting occupational/scientific diving programs
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical advice
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and maintaining high standards of excellence  

Essential Requirements

• Qualifications in accordance with Part 2(xvii) of the Crown Employees (Department of Industry) Technical Staff Award, and leadership experience.
• Current NSW driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel to remote locations within NSW.
• Demonstrated knowledge of WHS obligations for field and scientific operations
• Occupational SCUBA certification (AS/NZS 2815.1) or ability to obtain where diving coordination responsibilities apply.

This is a rare opportunity to combine leadership, science, and operational delivery in one role. You’ll contribute to meaningful, on-the-ground research while shaping safe and effective field practices across Fisheries.

Apply now and help shape the future!

When applying you will need to submit a resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your experience skills and capabilities that align to the role.

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

Applications close: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 11:55pm

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Brent Wise, Research Leader Marine Ecosystems at brent.wise@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0409 116 100.

What to Expect Next

After applying:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric assessment)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates

Additional Information

• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.  

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.

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.