Curatorial Senior Aquarist – Help Care for Australia’s Greatest Natural Wonder

We are seeking an experienced aquarist/diver to join our team to assist in maintaining and developing our livestock and provide husbandry support for the animals in care. The position reports to the Curatorial Supervisor. Responsible for working effectively as a team member within the Technical Operations program area, the position assists with the maintenance of aquatic life support systems.

The position involves proactively managing duties so that both routine animal husbandry tasks and special project deliverables (e.g. coral propagation or livestock cultivation programs) are completed on time. Maintenance of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium’s livestock is a 7-day-a-week operation.

The team member will be required to work a 37.5hr week, Monday to Friday. They may also be required to participate in a rotational weekend roster, which requires attendance onsite once every 4 weeks for 3 hours on a Saturday, and the occasional public holiday.

What’s In It for You

• Work with iconic species from the Great Barrier Reef
• Contribute to meaningful conservation and education outcomes
• Be part of a supportive, inclusive, and skilled team
• Opportunities to expand your expertise in life support systems and husbandry
• Access to unique fieldwork, diving, and propagation activities (if qualified)

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marine aquatic animal husbandry
• Experience managing water quality and life support systems
• Strong understanding of animal nutrition, behaviour, and disease control
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to respond rapidly to changing conditions
• Problem‑solving skills and sound decision‑making capability
• Willingness to participate in rotating weekend/public holiday rosters
• A passion for aquaria and collaborative teamwork

About Us

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.

We are committed to redeveloping the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef and continue to offer people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to access the Reef on land with the world’s largest living tropical reef aquarium. Redeveloping the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will bring numerous benefits to Townsville. The iconic facility will be a place maker in the heart of our CBD, serving as an enduring symbol of Townville’s rich history and international reputation for Reef education and source of great pride for the community. Visitors can look forward to world-class living exhibitions and immersive, interactive experiences that will educate and inspire action to protect the Reef.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re passionate about aquatic animals, thrive in a hands‑on environment, and want to help protect the Reef for generations to come, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your expertise to the heart of the Reef Authority’s mission.