Our research into some of Australia’s iconic marine ecosystems guides their management and that of similar systems around the world. We do marine science that has practical benefit to the real world, providing high quality, large-scale and long-term research that is used by governments, industry and the wider community to make informed decisions about the Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf and Arafura and Timor Seas.
AIMS researchers at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to the best tools and equipment like the National Sea Simulator, cutting edge laboratories and our fleet of research vessels.
AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories and a fleet of modern research vessels. At AIMS, the way we work guides our team members’ on their collective journey towards the successful delivery of our AIMS Strategy 2025 targets.
About this Opportunity
AIMS’ Long-term Monitoring Program (LTMP) represents the longest continuous record of change in reef communities over such a large geographic area. As an integral element of the Healthy and Resilient Great Barrier Reef program, the LTMP is responsible for surveying the health of inshore, mid-shelf and offshore reefs across the Great Barrier Reef region. The team of trained divers survey fish by underwater visual census, and record corals and other benthic organisms along the same sections of reef each visit. As well as capturing the natural variability of coral and fish populations, the data documents the effects of disturbances such as crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, cyclones, and bleaching events. The data also provides awareness of other threats to the reef (such as outbreaks of coral disease) and other issues of concern to reef managers.
Working within a team environment you will conduct field data collection, image analysis, data entry and analysis as part of the LTMP. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and participating in field work at remote locations for extended periods of time and will collect data utilising a variety of sampling methods and survey techniques. You will also be responsible for research equipment (storage, transport, etc) and management of field teams, and will contribute to technical reports and scientific journal publications.
About You
Underpinning your suitability for this position will be your tertiary qualification in marine biology (or related field), well-developed knowledge of the ecology of coral reef ecosystems and the ability to identify hard corals to genus level and soft corals to family level. You will have experience conducting field surveys of coral reef benthic communities using a variety of sampling and survey techniques and will be able to demonstrate your:
- Experience in image analysis, data management and data analysis;
- Understanding of the principles and practices of underwater photography;
- Ability to work independently and in remote locations for extended periods of time;
- Ability to meet AIMS Field Work Requirements including experience in SCUBA diving and small boat handling in offshore waters.
Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS for the term of the appointment, depending on the Department of Home Affairs current policies.
Salary: AIMS AOF Level 3 Enhanced Salary ($67,411 to $84,510 per annum)
Location: Townsville, Queensland
Application deadline: 9.00am AEST Friday 18 June 2021
To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply click here.
