REEF SONG RESEARCH SCIENTIST - REEF FISH ECOLOGIST - HOW TO APPLY - 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist - Reef Fish Ecologist Page 1 of 12 - The ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
HOW TO APPLY REEF SONG RESEARCH SCIENTIST – REEF FISH ECOLOGIST 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 1 of 12 21-April-2021
About AIMS 3 Our Sustainable Use of North-West Marine Ecosystems Research Program 4 About our Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist 5 How to apply 6 Key Selection Criteria 7 Position Description 8 About Perth 12 The Australian Institute of Marine Science acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and sea on which we work. We recognise the unique relationships and enduring cultural and spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to land and sea, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. Photographic credits Cover (Top to bottom): Page 6: Steve Clarke Shaun Hahn, Joe Gioffre, Page 7: Christian Miller Christian Miller and LTMP Page 9: Christian Miller Page 2: Nick Thake Page 10: Christian Miller Page 4: David Deeley Page 12: Chris Brunner 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 2 of 12 21-April-2021
ABOUT AIMS The Australian Institute of Marine Science is a corporate Commonwealth entity established under the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972 (AIMS Act). As Australia's tropical marine research agency, it is our mission to provide the research and knowledge of Australia's tropical marine estate required to support growth in its sustainable use, effective environmental management and protection of its unique ecosystems. To accomplish our mission, AIMS delivers independent science to help realise three key long-term impacts for the nation: • Improve the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems across northern Australia. • Create economic, social and environmental net benefits for marine industries and coastal communities. • Protect coral reefs and other tropical marine environments from the effects of climate change. Our research is focused on the priorities of our stakeholders, including Commonwealth, state and territory governments, industry and Traditional Owners. Our research continues to: • Underpin Australia's environmental management of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) to ensure that this World Heritage Area remains healthy and resilient. • Support the sustainable development of coastal industries and ports across northern Australia. • Provide the environmental baselines and condition and risk assessments required for current and future resource and industrial developments in Northern Australia. 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 3 of 12 21-April-2021
ABOUT OUR SUSTAINABLE USE OF NORTH-WEST MARINE ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH Our Sustainable Use of North-West Marine Ecosystems Research Program AIMS established a presence in Western Australia over twenty-five years ago to address the emerging requirements of the offshore oil and gas industry for tropical marine environmental baseline information, but also in recognition of the unique and poorly understood marine systems in North-West Australia. The mission of the Sustainable Use of North-West Marine Ecosystems Program is to undertake science and deliver knowledge to provide a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s northern and north-western marine ecosystems and inform sustainable use and management of marine resources in the region. Our Sustainable Use of North-West Marine Ecosystems Research Program focuses on five key challenges for sustainable resource management: climate change, pressures on marine ecosystems, opportunities in blue carbon, documenting and conserving biodiversity, and monitoring ecosystem change. These challenges shape the strategic objectives of the Research Program that align with AIMS Strategy 2025: • Design of regional assessment and monitoring plan and gap analysis tool for North-West Australia. • Develop and test a predictive model of benthic communities on reefs and shoals. • Region-wide analysis of fauna abundance, distribution and critical areas with a focus on breeding, nesting, calving grounds and nursery areas of key threatened and endangered marine species. Our success within each of these challenges is underpinned by science to understand the biology and ecology of key species and ecosystems, efficient and effective data acquisition and interpretation using the latest technology, and right-way research undertaken with acknowledgment and in collaboration with Traditional Owners to benefit from the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western science. Outcomes from our science address the specific needs of key stakeholders, resource managers and policy makers, and we aim to deliver positive impacts to people, industry and ecosystems through facilitating long-term engagement with our stakeholders upon delivery of our research outputs. Our Perth Research Facility operates out of the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre at the University of Western Australia and is located at the hub of marine-based industries on the Western Australian coast. Research delivery within this Program is via three (3) Research Teams spread across our Perth and Darwin Research Facilities. These teams include Ecological and Biological Monitoring, Marine Megafauna, and Spatial Ecology and Environmental Data Science. Capability within Program 3 is diverse and key strengths include coral and fish ecology, benthic ecology, habitat mapping and predictive modelling, remote sensing, long-term monitoring, Traditional Owner engagement, effects of marine noise, animal tracking, threatened species/marine fauna, and machine learning. 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 4 of 12 21-April-2021
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY Marine Fauna Team The overarching goal of the Marine Fauna research team is to monitor and provide research outputs to understand and mitigate key anthropogenic impacts with a strong (but not exclusive) focus on marine megafauna. This focus serves a dual role, in that it not only encompasses those species most vulnerable to such threats, it also includes many species that are charismatic, iconic, and often key indicator species for management, in tropical, particularly coral reef environments. These animals are often the focus of public and regulatory attention for the mitigation of the effects of any proposed and ongoing industrial developments. Our success in attaining this research goal can be judged by the extent to which our research outputs provide input for management strategies across all levels of government and industry. Reef Song Project AIMS is embarking on an exciting new project, ‘Reef Song’ to deliver the high-level objective of the Australian Coral Reef Resilience Initiative (ACRRI) and will assess the feasibility of a novel ecosystem-based approach to catalyse reef recovery and resilience. It will operate on both west and east coasts and require the coordination of teams working out of Perth and Townsville in building resilience through enhancement of fish and corals. Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Our Research Scientist - Reef Fish Ecologist will lead and implement a research program to understand the biology and ecology of the early life-history of reef fishes, and to develop and test tools for restoration of coral reefs across a variety of habitats and environmental gradients. In this role you will, identify and engage with opportunities for collaborative research within AIMS, and among AIMS, industry, and academia, nationally and internationally, to improve the science base for managing reef restoration in tropical Australia. Additionally, you will work with internal and external collaborators across disciplines to identify research needs and funding opportunities to deliver world-class research with fundamental and applied value. About you Your PhD and a minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience demonstrating substantive work on the biology, ecology, and/or physiology of reef fishes, with a focus on early life history will be fundamental to your success in this role. You will rely on your exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to influence decision makers, interpret scientific data and information, liaise, advise, report to and counsel various internal and external stakeholders who are from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds respectfully and ethically. Additionally, your experience with organizing and conducting field work on and around coral reefs, including diving and boating related activities and a Scientific Diver qualification will provide you with the capabilities to coordinate and participate safely in field trips in remote, off-shore locations in Queensland and Western Australia, often for extended periods of time. If, after reviewing the position description (refer pages 8 - 11), you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we would be very interested in hearing from you. The successful candidate will be rewarded with: • AIMS AOF Level 5 Salary ($107,820 to $118,200 per annum) • 15.4% superannuation • Generous leave provisions • Full-time, 4.5 years fixed-term opportunity • Located in Perth, Western Australian (with travel to remote, offshore locations) 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 5 of 12 21-April-2021
HOW TO APPLY
Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements that allows paid employment
with AIMS for the term of the appointment, depending on the Department of Home Affairs current policies.
Your application submission for our Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist opportunity should include
the following documentation:
• Current Resume (including two current references);
• Document addressing the Key Selection Criteria (refer to page 7) within the scope of the position
description (refer to page 8-11); and
• A short cover letter.
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete a Personal Outlook Analysis Questionnaire using the Birkman
Method.
How to Apply: Please submit your application via our website.
Further information on the application process and tips for addressing Selection Criteria is available in our
Recruitment Application Guide.
Closing Date: Wednesday 19-May-2021 (midnight, Perth WA time).
Recruitment Contact: Position enquiries can be directed to Dr Mark Meekan at m.meekan@aims.gov.au
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 6 of 12 21-April-2021
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Your responses to the following Key Selection Criteria must evidence your suitability for this exciting opportunity
within the scope of the position description (pages 8-11).
Essential
• An earned PhD and a minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience demonstrating substantive work on the
biology, ecology, and/or physiology of reef fishes.
• Knowledge and skills to lead and implement a research program to understand the biology and ecology of the
early life-history of reef fishes, and to develop and test tools for restoration of coral reefs across a variety of
habitats and environmental gradients.
• Established or emerging international reputation for research excellence and academic achievement relative
to career stage and opportunity as evidenced by publication history.
• Team player with strong self-awareness and interpersonal skills, able to foster an atmosphere of innovation,
creativity, and excellence among others.
• Ability to engage, communicate, build relationships, and negotiate with a diverse group of people, including
stakeholders from industry, academia and/or government.
• Superior written and oral communication skills including sensitive personnel management.
• Demonstrated skills and track-record in a variety of communication and outreach activities including but not
restricted to social media and radio, TV and news, public and school presentations.
• Appropriate experience, dive qualifications and small boat handling skills for diving under AIMS scientific
diving regulations, or ability to obtain.
Desirable
• Experience in project management with ability to deliver to external stakeholders in a timely and
professional manner.
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 7 of 12 21-April-2021
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
REEF SONG RESEARCH SCIENTIST – REEF FISH ECOLOGIST
Marine Fauna (7307))
Team Membership:
P3 - Sustainable Use of North-West Marine Ecosystems
Primary Location: Perth, WA
Direct Supervisor: Team Leader - 3.6 Marine Fauna (21015)
Position Classification: AIMS AOF Level 5
Functional Area: Research Scientist
To lead and contribute to research to:
1) understand the ecological drivers of early survival in tropical fishes;
2) develop and test tools for restoration of fish and coral communities across a
variety of habitats and environmental gradients; and
3) contribute to an interdisciplinary research program including supervision of
Position Summary: post-docs, technicians, and students.
To procure and manage resources to build a research program in reef restoration
ecology within AIMS to enhance the Institute’s national and international profile
through world-class publications and other influences.
To promote Traditional Owner-AIMS partnerships, and to attract and supervise
higher degree students and post-doctoral fellows.
Lead and contribute to research to understand natural variation in early survival
of reef fishes, and to evaluate the performance of various reef-restoration
techniques across habitats and environmental gradients.
To secure funding through internal and external sources. To manage resources,
staff, and students to deliver laboratory- and field-based studies on time and
budget.
Work with internal and external collaborators across disciplines to identify
research needs and funding opportunities to deliver world-class research with
fundamental and applied value.
Identify and engage with opportunities for collaborative research within AIMS,
and among AIMS, industry, and academia, nationally and internationally, to
Position Responsibilities:
improve the science base for managing reef restoration in tropical Australia.
Engage with Traditional Owners and external stakeholders to promote the
relevance and value of AIMS research activities and to foster productive and
collaborative relationships.
Comply with AIMS’ workplace safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe
workplace.
Comply with AIMS’ Code of Conduct ensuring the standards of conduct required
of an AIMS staff member are upheld.
Comply with AIMS’ Intellectual Property policies and procedures to ensure AIMS
intellectual assets are captured, managed and protected.
Adhere to, uphold and demonstrate the AIMS values
Key Responsibilities and Performance Standards
To lead and implement a research program to understand the biology and
ecology of the early life-history of reef fishes, and to develop and test tools for
restoration of coral reefs across a variety of habitats and environmental
gradients.
Science Outputs:
To enhance the international profile of restoration science at AIMS through
world-class publications and other influences (briefings, media outreach, etc).
To lead and contribute to scientific papers and reports emanating from the
research program and maintain comprehensive and accurate records of all work.
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 8 of 12 21-April-2021POSITION DESCRIPTION - CONTINUED
Occupational Health & Help to drive a safety culture at AIMS.
Safety: In line with AIMS’ Health and Safety Policy policies and procedures, participate
in Manual Task (Functional) Assessments and Fit for Work medical assessments
as required.
Immediately report any work-related accident, injury or near accident to your
direct supervisor.
Identify workplace hazards and take corrective action with your supervisor’s
guidance.
Ensure visitors, students, and staff for which you are responsible have completed
the necessary OH&S inductions.
Intellectual Assets: Comply with AIMS Intellectual Property policy, procedures and guidelines to
ensure AIMS’ intellectual assets are appropriately protected and managed.
Delegations: Financial: $5,000 in accordance with the Delegations Manual.
In line with AIMS Financial and Contract Delegation Policy, which includes
authorisation levels for Financial, Enterprise Agreement (supervisory), HS&E and
General Administrative activities.
Performance Management: Complete Annual Performance Assessments for self
and direct reports.
Leave: Monitor and approve requests from reports to ensure that leave is
managed appropriately.
Teamwork/supervisory: Direct Reports: TBA
Lead and motivate direct reports and participate constructively to teams to
deliver quality results.
To work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that values diversity while
ensuring achievement of AIMS goals and objectives.
Lead laboratory and field-based research activities with responsibility for
supervision, induction, and training of other staff and visitors.
Provide supervision and advising of interns, higher degree-seeking students,
postdocs, and technical staff.
External Customer, Partner, Participate in the management of projects with external parties including the
Collaborator and delivery and reporting of science and training.
Stakeholder Requirements: Respond to science enquiries from external parties regarding coral and reef-
restoration issues and provide scientific input as required.
Promote the relevance and value of AIMS research activities on coral reef
ecology, restoration and adaptation, and foster productive and collaborative
relationships in all areas of the early juvenile survival of reef fishes at AIMS.
Internal Organisational First Level Supervisor: Team Leader - 3.6 Marine Fauna (21015)
relationships: Next Level Supervisor: TBA
Develop positive work relationships with other science and support service staff
and maintain regular communication with research team, supervisor, and
Program Leaders
Financial responsibilities and Contribute to financial planning and management as required for the role.
accountabilities: As per AIMS Financial and Contract Delegation Policy.
Manage AIMS’ funds in a responsible manner and within delegation.
Comply with AIMS’ Fraud Prevention Plan ensuring the standards of conduct and
ethical behaviour required of an AIMS staff member are upheld and that
suspected fraudulent activity is prevented and/or reported.
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 9 of 12 21-April-2021POSITION DESCRIPTION - CONTINUED
Innovation, problem solving Assist in the improvement of daily operations, systems and processes associated
and continuous with AIMS research especially with respect to AIMS’ capacity to undertake reef-
improvement restoration science.
responsibilities: Vigorously pursue new opportunities, make sound decisions, set priorities and
exercise good judgement.
Set strategies with junior staff for career development and lead them for
improved effectiveness and efficiency to build capacity at AIMS.
Planning responsibilities: Performance Management:
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of required tasks.
• Plan work activities to ensure the achievement of timelines for field work, lab
work, analyses and reporting.
• Ensure servicing of laboratory and field equipment is up to date.
• Actively participate in own and direct reports’ annual personal performance
planning (APA-PnD) and evaluation.
• Successfully participate in the AIMS Annual Performance and Development
(APA-PnD) program.
Recruitment:
• Identify needs and recommend to Supervisor or Team Leader.
Operational Planning:
• Contribute positional requirements to operational planning.
Accountability: Accountable to the Research Team Leader.
Committed to continuous organisational improvement by monitoring and
challenging the performance of the project team and individuals.
Communication Effectively communicate with team members, visitors and other staff to achieve
responsibilities: goals.
Disseminate data and information to internal and external clients in a style
appropriate to the audience and context.
Support AIMS social media presence through Twitter and Facebook.
Participate in, and support, AIMS communications as requested, including
radio, TV and newsprint interviews.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential Skills and Expert knowledge of the biology and ecology and/or physiology of tropical reef
Knowledge: fishes.
Well-developed knowledge of larval settlement processes and the early life
history of reef fishes.
Ability to design, execute, and analyse experimental/ manipulative research to a
very high level, including a high competence in experimental and survey design,
multivariate analysis, and ecological modelling. Strong competence in analytical
analyses in the statistical analysis software R, or similar.
Team player with strong self-awareness and interpersonal skills able to foster an
atmosphere of innovation, creativity and excellence.
Proven ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks to meet
deadlines, including in the field, at sea, and at remote field stations.
High level of academic achievement, quality and number of publications, and/or
other forms of research outputs.
Superior written and oral communication skills extending to sensitive personnel
management.
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 10 of 12 21-April-2021POSITION DESCRIPTION - CONTINUED
Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders from industry and
government.
Strong commitment to, and sound knowledge of, applicable OHSE
principles and practices.
Desirable Skills and Project and time management skills.
Knowledge: Experience in organising the logistics of field expeditions (including supervision
of others), preferably in remote locations.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications and An earned PhD and a minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience
Experience: demonstrating substantive work on the biology, ecology, and/or physiology of
reef fishes, with a focus on early life history.
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently and as part of
a team.
An established or emerging international reputation for research excellence as
evidenced by publication history.
Current Australian occupational Diver Accreditation or ability to obtain.
Desirable Qualifications and Training in media communications.
Experience: Current Senior First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Resuscitation certifications.
Current Australian marine license and short-range radio operator license, or
ability to obtain.
Technology and Equipment
Technology & Equipment Networked personal computer and general office equipment.
Used: Diving equipment.
Familiarity with a variety of field survey equipment and underwater
photography, videography and photogrammetry.
Familiarity with control systems for manipulative experimental aquarium
systems.
Special Requirements
Other Special Requirements Australian Drivers Licence (equivalent to Qld C Class open Licence) or the
willingness and capabilities to obtain.
Ability to Pass Annual Dive Medical.
Successfully participate in Manual Task (Functional) Assessments and Fit for
Work medical assessments.
Strong commitment to and sound knowledge of principles and practices of
Occupational Health and Safety and Workplace Diversity and Inclusion.
Non-Australian Citizens must hold an appropriate Visa with working entitlements
that allows paid employment with AIMS for the term of the appointment,
depending on Department of Home Affairs current policies.
21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 11 of 12 21-April-2021ABOUT THE LOCATION Perth Perth is a vibrant city and an exciting hub located on the west coast of Australia. Perth sits along the Swan River and is surrounded by unique landscapes, from Australian bushland in the west to rolling coastline 12 km east of the city. Perth is a fast-developing region, with a population of over 2 million people. Perth’s diverse economic base is supported by key industries including Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (the largest industry employer), Government and Administration, Resources, and Health. Perth offers an array of opportunities for residents including exploration of diverse outdoor spaces, world-class national and international cultural and sporting events, architectural and historical attractions, and access to high- quality health, entertainment, medical, educational and sporting facilities. Perth is also recognised as the sunniest capital city in Australia. More information: www.perth.wa.gov.au 21479 Reef Song Research Scientist – Reef Fish Ecologist Page 12 of 12 21-April-2021
You can also read
