About the Pilot Deployments Program (PDP) and Coral Reproduction and Aquaculture Team
The Pilot Deployments Program (PDP) of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) is focused on moving interventions from a low to high readiness level, where interventions are ready to be applied ‘in-situ’ in reef environments. Interventions are matured to piloting phase, by considering a range of criteria which include feasibility, efficacy, cost, scalability, safety and acceptability.
Some of the first RRAP interventions to be progressed into the Pilot Deployments Program are those that focus on coral ‘seeding’ or methods to deliver coral larvae and young into the Reef in large numbers. These include techniques developed under RRAP’s Moving Corals and Coral Aquaculture and Deployment Subprograms. The Coral Reproduction & Aquaculture team is focussed on understanding the reproductive biology of corals and to develop methods for upscaled aquaculture production of corals for restoration and adaptation.
About you
Ideally you will be studying or have interest in marine biology or aquaculture and apply your learned knowledge to the tasks assigned. You will have experience with and ability to accurately follow pre-determined protocols to the highest standard, while identifying anomalies and creating accurate records and reports. You will have great attention to detail in your work. You show initiative in your work and have the ability to work and communicate efficiently with team members to ensure timely completion of allocated tasks and activities.
Experience in the husbandry and maintenance of coral reef associated organisms and/or aquaculture systems would be highly advantageous.
A small group will need to commence late October, with the majority of staff needing to commence during mid November to early December. It is important that you will be available during periods with high workloads for our team occurring from 18 November to 16 December 2026 and 4 January to 5 February 2027.
Position Responsibilities
Under the direction of senior technicians and in accordance with established guidelines, procedures and production schedules, the Pilot Deployment Program (PDP) Coral Aquaculture Assistant will:
- Undertake the maintenance and cleaning of aquaculture tanks and associated equipment.
- Assist with coral husbandry activities, including larval culture, settlement and post settlement care of corals.
- Prepare and handle settlement tiles, ceramic tabs, nally bins and coral seeding devices.
- Assist with the manual assembly of coral seeding devices and robotic device assembly workflows, including loading and unloading coral trays and devices.
- Conduct visual assessments of coral tabs and identify live, dead, empty or otherwise unsuitable tabs.
- Assist with imaging-related workflows, including moving trays in and out of imaging systems.
- Assist with the movement of corals and devices between settlement tanks, imaging systems, device assembly machine, holding tanks and transport bins.
- Assist with the loading, handling and transportation of coral seeding devices.
- Collect and maintain accurate data, records, labels, counts and traceability information throughout the production workflow.
- Identify and promptly report issues, anomalies, faults or errors to senior staff.
- Comply with AIMS’ Code of Conduct ensuring the standards of conduct required of an AIMS staff member are upheld.
- Be an active and contributing employee dedicated to upholding and promoting AIMS’ Strategy 2040 and acting in accordance with our Values.
Application deadline: September 28, 2026
Salary range: AIMS AOF Level 2 ($41.10 to $48.96 per hour)
