The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.
We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration, and respect.
AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world. Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas.
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 our AIMS Strategy 2025 targets.
About this Opportunity
AIMS’ coral reef monitoring programs represent 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 Long-Term Monitoring Program is responsible for monitoring the status and trends of coral reefs across the length and breadth of the Great Barrier Reef. The team of trained divers survey corals, other benthic organisms, and reef fishes along the same sections of reef each visit. As well as capturing the natural variability of coral populations, the data documents effects of disturbances such as crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, cyclones, and bleaching events. The data are analysed and reported to a range of industry and management stakeholders ensuring up to date information is available for policy and planning purposes.
In this position you will work within a team environment playing a significant role in the planning and execution of monitoring activities in remote locations that work around the constraints imposed by tide and weather, up to a total of 120 days of fieldwork per year. You will participate in field data collection on benthic communities using a variety of survey methodologies and will undertake post-fieldwork processing including data collation, computer-based image analysis, data archiving and management. You will also prepare reports on benthic monitoring data and will contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in technology and analyses to improve data gathering or dissemination efficiencies.
Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions which are detailed in our Enterprise Agreement. The successful candidate for this exciting opportunity will be rewarded with:
- AIMS AOF Level 4 Salary ($85,970 to $97,833 per annum)
- 15.4% superannuation
- Generous leave provisions
- Full-time, 2-year opportunity
- Located in Townsville, Queensland
About You
Underpinning your suitability for this position will be your tertiary qualification in Marine Biology or a related discipline, with well-developed knowledge of coral reef ecology and understanding of the roles of key benthic groups. You will also be able to demonstrate your:
- Experience in conducting visual surveys of coral reef benthic communities with the ability to identify common benthic organisms to a fine taxonomic resolution;
- Strong competence and knowledge of experimental and survey design, standard statistical techniques used in the analysis of large ecological datasets, and the ability to use database and statistical software;
- Demonstrated experience processing data, including image analysis, data archiving and management; and
- Willingness and ability to participate in fieldwork activities in remote offshore locations for extended periods of time.
Please note:
- 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 relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.
- It is a requirement of this role that you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before commencing with AIMS. Please note the sighting of proof of vaccination is a pre-commencement of employment requirement.
Next Step
Further information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download below. If, after reviewing the position description included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience, and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully deliver the position responsibilities, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
Below you will also find a link to our Recruitment Application Guide which details the necessity to submit your statements addressing your suitability against the selection criteria within the scope of the position description, as detailed in the Candidate Information Pack.
Submitting your Application: Prior to clicking on the APPLY NOW button on our website, please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, CV, and cover letter) ready to attach to your on-line application form.
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a personal outlook analysis questionnaire using the Birkman Method.
Position enquiries can be directed to Dr Mike Emslie on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Applications close: 9.00am AEST, Thursday 31 March 2022.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and sea on which we work. We recognise the unique relationships and enduring cultural and spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to land and sea, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
