About us

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.

The Opportunity

There is currently one (1) permanent position available for immediate filling.

Join the Frontlines of Freshwater Aquaculture!

We're seeking an enthusiastic and hands-on Technical Officer to join our dynamic team at the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre (PFRC)—Western Australia's leading hub for freshwater aquaculture research and production. PFRC plays a vital role in advancing trout and marron aquaculture, supporting both industry development and recreational fisheries through strategic trout stocking—the state's longest-running freshwater finfish aquaculture initiative.

In this role, you'll be at the heart of operations, contributing to all aspects of freshwater species husbandry, hatchery maintenance, and fieldwork. From managing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to supporting research, your work will directly impact the sustainability and innovation of WA's aquaculture sector.

Team Collaboration & Field Support

You'll work closely with the Hatchery Coordinator and Freshwater Research Scientists, providing technical support across production, laboratory, and field-based research activities. This includes assisting with experimental setups, data collection, and operational logistics. As part of a dedicated team, you'll also participate in a rotating 24-hour on-call roster every 3–4 weeks, which includes weekend shifts and public holiday coverage.

What You'll Bring to the Role

To thrive in this role, you'll apply your aquaculture expertise to support both production and research programs. We're looking for someone who is proactive, technically skilled, and ready to get hands-on in diverse environments.