Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 847950
Location: 5024 - WEST BEACH
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Senior Research Officer to be part of our SARDI Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Be part of a leading fisheries science team delivering research that underpins the sustainable management of South Australia’s marine resources.

In this role, you will support the Pelagic Fishes Sub-Program and broader Fisheries Program through a combination of field, laboratory and analytical work. You’ll play a key role in delivering Sardine stock assessments and spawning biomass estimates, while contributing to broader initiatives including Fisheries SLAs, HAB response and FRDC-funded projects.

• Lead delivery of Sardine stock assessments and spawning biomass estimates
• Contribute to priority programs including Fisheries SLAs, HAB response and research projects
• Generate robust scientific data and insights to inform management decisions
• Support the sustainable use of fisheries resources across southern Australian waters
• Work across field, laboratory and data analysis environments
• Collaborate with government, industry and research partners

How You’ll Make a Difference

In this role, you will plan, coordinate and deliver scientific research to support evidence-based fisheries management, working across field, laboratory and analytical environments to generate high-quality data and insights.

• Plan and undertake research and stock assessment projects for fishery-dependent and independent programs
• Manage data processes, including collection, storage, analysis and interpretation
• Deliver fieldwork and research activities, including work on commercial fishing and SARDI vessels
• Apply analytical techniques to produce robust, evidence-based research outcomes
• Prepare and present high-quality reports and scientific advice to inform decision-making
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across PIRSA, industry and research stakeholders

About You

You are an enthusiastic and capable scientist who enjoys working across field and analytical environments and contributing to real-world outcomes.

• Postgraduate qualifications in fisheries, zoology or a related discipline (or equivalent research experience)
• Strong skills in data analysis, interpretation and scientific reporting
• Experience undertaking fieldwork, ideally in marine or fisheries environments
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders across government, industry and research
• Committed to safety, scientific integrity and continuous improvement

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Ongoing full-time opportunity

Requirements

• Regular intra-state and occasional inter-state travel.
• Regular work outside normal working hours.
• Australian residency or current works permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• Field trips on research and commercial vessels that include overnight absences and extensive periods of time spent at sea.
• Possession of a current C class driver’s licence and willingness to drive.
• Willingness to complete additional training as required (e.g. coxswains).
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations.
• The incumbent will be required to undertake emergency management training and must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• Upholding the ethical behaviour and professional integrity standards as contained in the Public Sector Act, 2009.
• Participating in PIRSA’s Performance Management and Development Program.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A post-graduate degree in Science with a major in fisheries, zoology or related discipline (or equivalent research experience) is required.

Desirable:

• Elements of Shipboard Safety
• Coxswain certification or higher
• ADAS commercial dive qualification

Remuneration

PO2 - $91,565 min - $106,074 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Stephen Mayfield

Program Leader - Fisheries

Phone: 08 8429 0734
Email: stephen.mayfield@sa.gov.au

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Achievement Orientation and Initiative capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 16/07/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - PO2 Senior Research Officer - Pelagic Fishes.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.