• 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

The Technical Manager is responsible for the leadership, coordination and oversight of a technically focused team delivering specialised field, laboratory and operational activities. These activities support a dynamic and diverse program of fisheries research projects within the Fisheries Resource Assessment and Stock Assessment research units of DPIRD Fisheries Research. The Technical Manager Fisheries will also be expected to engage with other senior technical staff and assist in delivering technical resources to support broader programs across Fisheries Research. This role plays 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. The role will require management of all technical resources within the units, including managing the training and development of staff, the development and maintenance of registers of technical equipment for maintenance and replacement, and manage the representation of the units on technical committees (e.g. Work Health and Safety). The role will be required to provide technical advice into the development of research projects, and strategic planning into the units’ research program, in collaboration with scientists and the Research Leader.

You will oversee a range of complex and, at times, high-risk field activities, such as commercial fishery observer programs, operating vessels offshore and at night, scientific diving and electrofishing, ensuring all work is conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and departmental policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to a professional technical work unit, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Deliver strategic technical advice and practical support for the design of research projects and implementation of field and laboratory components of fisheries research programs
• Coordinate and oversee specialised field operations, ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety requirements and relevant legislative and operational standards
• Develop, implement and monitor risk management and safety systems to support safe and effective field activities
• Ensure specialised equipment is maintained, serviced and operated in line with regulatory and safety requirements
• Provide timely, accurate and evidence-based advice to senior leaders and key stakeholders, including fisheries managers
• Identify, assess and promote the use of emerging technical innovations and research priorities through engagement with industry, research organisations and the broader community

About You

You are a highly organised and technically proficient leader with demonstrated experience managing dynamic, diverse and complex field-based or operational teams within a scientific or environmental context. You bring:

• Proven ability to lead and manage technical teams and complex operational activities
• Strong understanding of legislative, compliance and Work Health and Safety frameworks, particularly in high-risk environments
• Experience overseeing specialised fieldwork such as aquatic operations, vessel use, or similar technical activities
• 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 operational 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 experience and qualifications, or ability to acquire, for relevant operational safety standards applicable to the work unit (e.g. Coxswains, vessel operations, electrofishing certification, diving).

If you are looking to apply your technical expertise and leadership skills in a role that contributes to evidence-based fisheries management, we encourage you to apply.

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 Dr Rowan Chick, acting Research Leader Fisheries Resource Assessment at rowan.chick@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0407 788 370.

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.