about us 

The Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS, www.sims.org.au) is a not-for-profit collaborative research organisation bringing together four NSW universities plus state and commonwealth marine and environmental agencies. SIMS operates the Animal Tracking Facility of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS, www.imos.org.au), which focuses on collecting long-term data on movements of marine species within Australian coastal and oceanic waters.

The Technical Officer provides technical and logistical support to the IMOS Animal Tracking Facility for the implementation of marine fieldwork and the maintenance of the IMOS acoustic telemetry network.

The successful applicant will primarily be responsible for the assembly, maintenance and servicing of acoustic telemetry equipment, moorings and other field equipment, freighting gear, data entry, and participating in field operations.

Key accountabilities

• Assist in the planning and execution of marine fieldwork across a broad geographic area in support of the IMOS Animal Tracking Facility’s national acoustic receiver network.
• Maintain and keep records of Facility assets and equipment, including the servicing and assembly of acoustic telemetry equipment and moorings.
• Coordinate equipment freight logistics.
• Collection, entry and backup of data and associated equipment deployment records.
• Operate a variety of equipment, vehicles and vessels in accordance with the Organisation’s policy and procedures.
• Assist with the development of operational best practices and technical documentation, as required.

Key challenges

• Ability to work both within a team and at times autonomously and remotely.
• Conduct fieldwork in a variety of hydrological and climatic conditions in remote, offshore and challenging marine environments, with frequent interstate travel for extended periods of time.
• Contribute to concurrent projects while balancing competing demands, priorities, deadlines and changing schedules.

Key relationships

Reporting to the Field Operations and Technical Manager, the Technical Officer will work collaboratively with the rest of the SIMS and IMOS Animal Tracking Facility’s staff and provide information to the Facility leadership team as required. The role will also interact with regional collaborators and contractors.

To be successful in this role, applicants will need to satisfy the following desirable criteria

• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively with colleagues, contractors and researchers, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and professional behaviour.
• Ability to travel and be away from home for up to several weeks at a time, several times per year.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in a variety of hydrological and climatic conditions in coastal, offshore and challenging marine environments.
• Experience in marine based fieldwork and/or research.
• A degree in marine science or equivalent qualifications relevant to the role and activities of the IMOS Animal Tracking Facility.
• Current Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to operate a forklift or acquire a forklift licence in the future.
• Current NSW Boating Licence (or equivalent).
• Minimum of PADI Rescue Diver or Scientific Diver certification (or equivalent) to conduct SCUBA diving fieldwork.
• Ability to hold an occupational dive medical (AS/NZS 2299.1).

How to apply

To submit your application click Apply Now.

A position description is attached.

For more information about the role, please contact Phil McDowall (Field & Technical Manager, IMOS Animal Tracking Facility) on 02 9435 4605 or via email: [email protected] using the subject line: Technical Officer - IMOS Animal Tracking Facility enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note: SIMS employees will need to be double vaccinated for COVID-19 or have a medical exemption.