Field Operations Officer, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Position Overview

Application Deadline: Open until filled (fixed term to June 30, 2028)

Salary: AUD $100,818 to $114,730 annually plus 15.4 percent superannuation (AIMS AOF Level 4)

Education Required: ADAS Part 1 Diving Qualifications and AMSA Coxswain NC1 Qualifications

Experience Required: Practical health, safety, and environmental experience supporting marine or land-based field research

Description

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is hiring a Field Operations Officer in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, on a full-time fixed-term basis to June 30, 2028, with an AOF Level 4 salary of AUD $100,818 to $114,730 plus 15.4 percent superannuation.

AIMS is Australia’s tropical marine science agency and a global leader in research on the Great Barrier Reef and Indo-Pacific marine ecosystems. The Field Operations team supports safe delivery of field work programs across reef, coastal, and open-ocean environments.

The Field Operations Officer supports field teams with technical advice and on-the-ground operational support, delivers inductions and training, and liaises with external organisations to ensure compliance with Queensland and Commonwealth legislation and AIMS procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the safe delivery of AIMS field work programs across diverse marine and land-based research operations.
• Provide advice and on-the-ground support to field teams undertaking research activities.
• Deliver inductions, presentations, and discussions to varied audiences within AIMS and partner organisations.
• Undertake field work as required to support specific operations.
• Liaise with external organisations to ensure AIMS field trip compliance with applicable legislation and standards.
• Identify critical operational and safety challenges and develop tailored solutions in a timely manner.
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of AIMS field operations procedures.

Requirements

• Demonstrated practical knowledge of Queensland and Commonwealth legislation, standards, and guidance relating to occupational diving and vessel operations.
• ADAS Part 1 Diving Qualifications.
• AMSA Coxswain NC1 Qualifications.
• Practical health, safety, and environmental experience in marine or land-based field research or research facility settings.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical and operational support to field-based experimental work.

Additional Notes

• Located in Townsville, Queensland, with potential travel to AIMS field sites.
• 9-day fortnight schedule with a long weekend each fortnight.
• Flexible work arrangements considered, including hybrid working where suitable.
• Commuter car fleet, salary sacrifice, Fitness Passport, and Employee Assistance Program available.
• Non-Australian citizens must hold a valid working visa for the full term of the appointment.

How to Apply

Download the Candidate Information Pack from the AIMS careers page and apply through the AIMS application portal.

Required application materials:

• Resume detailing field operations, marine safety, and diving qualifications.
• Cover letter or selection criteria response describing fit for the role.
• Copies of ADAS and AMSA qualifications.