The Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australia’s tropical marine research agency.

We are a trusted advisor, a partner and employer of choice, and we value integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect. AIMS’ research of Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems guides their effective environmental management and contributes to our understanding of similar ecosystems around the world.

Our research seeks to deliver practical benefit to all Australians and supports the sustainable use of our tropical marine estate. Governments, reef managers, industry and the wider community look to our high-quality, long-term research for informed decisions about our iconic Great Barrier Reef, North-West Shelf, and Arafura and Timor Seas. AIMS expert teams at our locations in Townsville, Darwin and Perth have access to world-class infrastructure, unique datasets, cutting-edge laboratories, and a fleet of modern research vessels.

About this exciting opportunity

Due to the continued growth of AIMS research projects we are expecting to grow the AIMS Research Vessels fleet and are seeking a technical leader to provide oversight to ensure the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of technical and mechanical systems onboard our research vessels and other marine assets. Supervising a small team of technical experts, you will oversee the deployment, operation and maintenance of scientific equipment and instruments used for research and have a critical role in ensuring all safety and legal standards are met.

Key responsibilities will also include:

• Conducting assessments of developed products and designs for environment suitability, maintainability, safety and functional compliance,
• Overseeing the daily operation and maintenance of AIMS vessels and marine assets, including installed equipment and instruments,
• Reviewing, monitoring, guiding and reporting on the implementation of maintenance and reliability strategies for marine assets,
• Working in collaboration with engineering team members for technical support and guidance, applying your knowledge of engineering principles and technical skills,
• Taking a lead role in ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and procedures, managing investigations for incidents relating to marine assets.

About you

You will be experienced in the management of maritime, mechanical and electrical systems or have experience in mechanical, industrial or marine electronics fields. Your trade or tertiary qualification (degree or certificate) in marine, electrical or mechanical engineering, electronics or other engineering discipline and experience will support your excellent technical, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.

You will have proven experience in planning, scheduling, and executing maintenance and operational activities in your previous roles. You’ll have demonstrated in your previous roles a continuous improvement focus around safety awareness and safe practices. And your able to build rapport and engage in a way that encourages a commitment to quality when providing direction and assistance to team members and colleagues.

You’re a team player, who is also able to work autonomously using your initiative and demonstrated problem solving skills. Strong leadership skills and experience or training with Root Cause Analysis / 5 Why would be highly desirable.

Apply now and join a world leading organisation with attractive working conditions. In line with our Enterprise Agreement, the successful candidate will be rewarded with:

• AIMS AOF Level 5 salary ($113,275 to $124,181 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Full-time, Permanent opportunity
• Located in Townsville (Qld). Commuter car arrangements to site
• 9-day fortnight
• Flexible Work Arrangements considered (including tele-working where possible)
• Generous leave provisions
• Free onsite gym and optional Fitness passport
• Relocation assistance available

Please note:

1. Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment with AIMS from commencement and for the full term of the appointment, depending on the
2. It is a requirement of this role that you are and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note the sighting of proof of vaccination will be required as a pre commencement requirement.

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's first scientists. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and future, and the custodians of the land and sea Country on which we work.