About the business and the role

The story of Cygnet Bay Pearls is a rare and fascinating tale that began three generations ago with entrepreneur and founder, Dean Brown. It was 1946 and navigating the pristine Kimberley coastline in a wooden lugger, Dean discovered the secluded unspoilt beauty of Cygnet Bay along with the precious gift of the Pinctada maxima pearl shell. It was in these waters that his pearling dream was realised in the creation of the first Australian owned and run South Sea pearl farm. Still a family run business, the Browns infuse their passion and expertise in South Sea pearling across all aspects of Cygnet Bay.

Located on the tip of the pristine Dampier Peninsula, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm was established in 1946 and has been open to the public since 2009. Here is your opportunity to work with a friendly and professional team, in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia with a world-class product.

The pearl farm is 200km/2 hours north of Broome, WA, so you will need to be prepared to live in a remote environment and as part of a small community.

Our staff are known for their friendly, can-do attitudes, and we are looking for confident, passionate people to join the pearling team at Cygnet Bay.

Reporting to the Pearling Manager the Research Field Officer will be an important member of the crew responsible for maintaining all pearl oysters and related hardware on the farm.The Field Officer will be qualified and experienced in the field of marine science with an applied background covering in- and on-water activities. As such, the Field Officer will be physically fit and qualified and experienced as both a skipper and diver.

A focus on monitoring the health of the oysters along with accurate data reporting is essential. Ongoing pearl farm research and experiments are to be carried out in collaboration with the Kimberley Marine Research Station interns.

There are several locations on the farm where the Pinctada maxima pearl oyster is cleaned and checked both on surface lines and bottom lines. The Research Field Officer should be able to professionally manage a crew of 2 deckhands and work well as part of a dive team to achieve goals set by Pearling Manager.

This role demands a passionate, hard working individual who will bring a sound scientific background and understanding of marine systems along with high interpersonal and presentation skills, and who is willing to live and work in our remote yet vibrant community on the beautiful shores of Cygnet Bay. 

Job tasks and responsibilities

• Health Assessments - Ongoing monitoring of oysters during set periods
• Husbandry of Oysters - Maintenance and assessment of oysters and associated hardware on the farm
• Research and Development - Implementation of experiments, monitoring and reporting
• Vessel, machine and equipment maintenance - Learn and carry out preventative maintenance techniques along with troubleshooting unexpected breakdowns
• Ensure all farm operations are carried out effectively.
• Induction & training of new crew on all aspects of pearl farming techniques.
• Possess a sound working knowledge of US Navy Dive Tables.
• Provide feedback on procedures which are not working.
• Have a sound working knowledge of the OH&S policy.
• Always act in the best interest of the company toward all policies and set a good example to all employees. 

Skills and experience

• High attention to detail along with excellent reporting and organisational skills.

Essential Criteria

• Qualification in Marine Science or Aquaculture
• National Police Clearance

Desirable Criteria 

• Coxswain Grade 1 NC
• Current Rescue Diver Qualification
• Provide First Aid
• Provide Advanced Resuscitation
• Excellent Swimming Skills
• Life Saving Course
• Previous experience working on vessels
• Marine Engine Driver or similar
• Department of Fisheries Pearl Diving License
• Pearl Producers Association Pearl Divers Certificate
• Commercial Dive Medical AS/NZS 2299.1:2007

Job benefits and perks

Opportunities:

• Experience skippering and diving
• Gain sea time
• Broad array of pearling skills gained
• Provide First Aid
• Provide Advanced Resuscitation
• Experience the remote Kimberley Coast and the unique lifestyle of the pearling industry
• Food & accommodation provided onsite (at subsidised rate)
• Learn about Australian South Sea Pearls and local indigenous culture.
• Staff discounts on tourism & retail products.

How to apply: