Fisheries Technician (TO2)
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fisheries Queensland
Location: Cairns QLD 4870
Pay rate: $47.43 per hour
Contract until: 30 September 2026

About the Role Fisheries Queensland’s Fishery Monitoring Team is seeking a motivated Fisheries Technician (TO2) to join our dedicated scientific team. This role is critical to ensuring the ongoing collection and delivery of high-quality data used in stock assessments and fisheries management.
As a Fisheries Technician, you will contribute to scientific monitoring programs through field and laboratory work, providing accurate and reliable data that supports the sustainable management of Queensland’s fisheries.

Key Responsibilities In this role, you will:

• Collect samples and data from Queensland’s fisheries in line with sampling protocols.
• Process fish samples in both the field and laboratory, including measuring, sexing, removing otoliths, and collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis.
• Prepare and process otoliths for age estimation, including resin blocking, sectioning, and slide mounting.
• Assist with estimating the age of fish from whole or sectioned otoliths.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders, ensuring professionalism and discretion.
• Maintain scientific accuracy, data integrity, and respect for industry, recreational, and Indigenous stakeholders.
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment in a clean and functional state.
• Support other Fisheries Queensland groups with priority work as required.

About You To be successful in this role, you will have:

• The ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy.
• Experience following and contributing to documented protocols and safe operating procedures.
• The ability to communicate clearly and provide detailed sampling trip reports.

Highly regarded skills and experience include:

• Previous experience in fisheries surveys (field and lab).
• Ability to identify target and non-target fish species.
• Understanding of Queensland’s commercial and recreational fisheries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, SharePoint).
• Current First Aid certificate (desirable).
• Shipboard safety training (desirable).

Mandatory Requirements

• Associate Diploma in Science, Applied Science or Rural Science (or equivalent).
• Current Queensland “C” Class Driver Licence.
• Ability to travel for work (up to one week at a time).

Why Join Us? This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries while working in a collaborative and supportive team. You will gain hands-on experience in both field and laboratory environments, contributing to data that informs key management decisions across the state.

How to apply: Submit your application via Seek with your resume and a short cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.