Job description
Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Fisheries Research
Job title Fisheries Observer Designation Technical 3
Job type Casual ($53.68 per hour) Duration Fixed to 30/05/2027
Salary $82,325 - $90,206 Location Darwin
Position number 76260031 RTF 349326 Closing 16/06/2026
Contact officer Quentin Allsop on 08 8999 2190 or [email protected]
About the agency https://daf.nt.gov.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=349326
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment
process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the
merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures
plans, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Provide technical support for the collection, recording and analysis of fisheries, biological and research data. Coordinate and
undertake offshore observation trips and liaise with the fishing industry to ensure their cooperation in fisheries monitoring
and data collection.
Context statement
This role involves a high degree of electronic monitoring work requiring the successful applicant to analyse video footage of
commercial fishery operations and to identify and record target, bycatch and threatened and endangered species. The
footage has the potential to be distressing to some people. The incumbent will spend extended periods of time away from
home undertaking duties at sea in occasionally uncomfortable conditions, in addition to travelling by air (small, chartered
aircraft) and land.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Coordinate and manage logistics for observer trips including liaison with vessel owners and skippers to ensure the
required number of observer trip are completed each year.
2. Conduct biological laboratory and field work including field sampling, species identification, specimen collection and
dissection, and preparation of collected tissue (including otoliths) for analysis.
3. Maintain detailed and accurate records of biological data and prepare field and technical reports.
4. Provide a liaison and extension role for research projects within Fisheries.
5. Mentor and train new staff in species identification, electronic and on-board monitoring.
6. Identify and record various fish species, including any Threatened, Endangered or Protected species, from pre-recorded
fishing vessel electronic observation footage.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Diploma or Degree in fisheries biology, ecology, or equivalent relevant experience.
2. Extensive experience in on-board and electronic fisheries observer work.
3. Demonstrated ability to liaise with fishing industry representatives, or closely related industry.
4. Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision and supervise and mentor new staff.
5. Demonstrated ability to collect and analyse fisheries data including preparation of comprehensive reports.
6. Sound oral, written communication skills and the proven ability to meet deadlines.
Desirable
1. A coxswain certificate or an ability to obtain one.
2. Sound knowledge of Northern Territory waters.
3. NT Driver’s license and extensive four-wheel drive experience.
