Fisheries Stock Assessment Scientist

Description:

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals. These goals are to:

• Maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it.
• Protect the Antarctic environment.
• Understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system.
• Undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
The AAD Science Branch leads, conducts and supports a world class program of scientific research and environmental management, consistent with national priorities through the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan. The branch provides research and advice to support Australia's Antarctic policy objectives, including participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and other international committees, commissions and intergovernmental panels. It manages and administers the Australian Antarctic Science Program and provides scientific and research advice to support regulatory and management decisions. The branch provides advice for Antarctic capability projects, conducts impact assessments and develops strategies to address environmental legacies and undertakes targeted outreach promoting the value of Australian Antarctic science.
The Fisheries team is part of the Southern Ocean Ecosystems Program (SOEP), one of five Programs within the AAD's Science Branch. The Fisheries team conducts strategic research and provides management advice to support the sustainability of the Australian fisheries for Patagonian toothfish and Mackerel icefish in the Southern Ocean at Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) and Macquarie Island (MI), and the exploratory toothfish fisheries in the area managed by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Resources (CCAMLR).
The key duties of the position include

• Undertake analysis and synthesis of large and complex datasets relating to fisheries stock assessments, spatially-explicit population models, and management strategy evaluations.
• Provide timely and robust scientific advice to assist Australia's conservation and resource policies in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
• Represent Australia at CCAMLR meetings as required.
• Plan research undertaken on research or commercial fishing vessels.
• Initiate and lead research projects as well as contribute to projects led by other investigators.
• Supervise staff and/or students.
• Contribute to a safe and healthy workplace, and be proactive in contributing positively to safety management and workplace culture.

Please note that the successful applicant may be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they may be required to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments.
In order to undertake travel to the Antarctic & sub-Antarctic regions they will need to:

• Demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments.
• Demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment.
• Be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD's Polar Medicine Unit.

For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.