Benthic Ecologist Long-Term Monitoring ProgramJoin to apply for the Benthic Ecologist Long-Term Monitoring Program role at Australian Institute of Marine ScienceBenthic Ecologist Long-Term Monitoring Program2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Benthic Ecologist Long-Term Monitoring Program role at Australian Institute of Marine ScienceGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Australian Institute of Marine Science provided pay rangeThis range is provided by Australian Institute of Marine Science. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience talk with your recruiter to learn more.Base pay rangeA$76,454.00/yr - A$110,957.00/yrAbout AIMSThe Australian Institute of Marine Science is Australias 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 Australias 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 opportunityThis position forms part of the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences Long-Term Monitoring Program (LTMP), which has been collecting coral reef survey data since 1986 and now holds one of the worlds largest and most comprehensive coral reef monitoring datasets. The program plays a key role in assessing the condition and trajectories of benthic and fish communities on the Great Barrier Reef, supporting decision-making by management authorities and policy makers through data that informs national and international reporting, as well as contributing to high-impact scientific publications.This role suits a marine ecologist with strong field experience and the ability to work effectively in physically and logistically challenging environments. As part of the benthic team, you will contribute to coral reef surveys conducted from large, live-aboard vessels operating in remote offshore locations. These expeditions often involve safely operating for long hours in the water under challenging weather and sea conditions, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a strong team mentality.The role includes benthic image collection and analysis, in situ coral and disease identification, data entry and management (including QA/QC), statistical analysis and interpretation, and leading or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. You will also contribute to method development and innovation, including the integration of novel technologies such as photogrammetry and AI-based image annotation to improve productivity and data quality. Beyond the core monitoring responsibilities, there are opportunities to shape research directions, lead projects, present at conferences, mentor team members, and collaborate with researchers across AIMS and the broader reef science community.About youUnderpinning your suitability for this position will be your tertiary qualification in Marine Biology, Ecology, or a related discipline, with well-developed knowledge of coral reef ecology and understanding of the roles of key benthic groups.You will also be able to demonstrate:Proven experience in conducting surveys of coral reef benthic communities, including the use of cameras to acquire data and the ability to identify hard and soft corals and other benthic taxa;Strong competence in and knowledge of experimental and survey design, standard statistical techniques used in the analysis of large ecological datasets, and the ability to use database and statistical software (e.g. R, SQL);Demonstrated experience working independently to process data, including analysing benthic imagery, data archiving and management; andWillingness and ability to participate in multiple annual field trips to remote offshore locations for extended periods of time (up to 25 days) , including fulfilling AIMSs field work requirements for boating and diving.Previous experience organising and leading field trips, the ability to work collaboratively in a close-knit team environment including mentoring roles, and a demonstrated track record in leading peer-reviewed scientific publications.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 3 Enhanced (AOF3.1 to AOF3.9) to AIMS AOF Level 4 salary ($76,454 to $110,957 per annum) plus 15.4% superannuation (dependent on appointees relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience)Located in Townsville (Qld)9-day fortnight, enjoy a long weekend each fortnightFlexible Work Arrangements considered including hybrid working (where suitable)Generous and supportive leave entitlementsAccess to Commuter car fleet arrangements to travel to site (in Townsville only)Salary Sacrifice opportunitiesAccess to Fitness Passport program, offering discounted membership to selected gymsEmployee Assistance ProgramRelocation assistance availableDiscover more about Working at AIMS | AIMS.Please note: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 relevant Department of Home Affairs current policies.processes, including the necessity to test the local labour market for suitable applicants. This includes international talent pool members who are Australian visa holders who have relevant working rights.Next StepFurther information about this exciting and challenging opportunity is outlined in the Candidate Information Pack which is available to download from our website www.aims.gov.au. If, after reviewing the position description and selection criteria included in the Candidate Information Pack, you believe that your qualifications, experience and professional capabilities will enable you to successfully the deliver the position responsibilities, we encourage you to make an application via our website.Submitting your Application: Please ensure that you have your completed documents (selection criteria responses, resume and cover letter) ready to attach to your online application form via our e-recruitment system which can be accessed via our website www.aims.gov.au.Position enquiries are to be directed to Peran Bray, Benthic Section Leader - Long-Term Monitoring Program at p.bray@aims.gov.au. Applications must be made through our website per above.Applications close: SUNDAY, 17 AUGUST 2025 (11.45PM, AEST).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.Seniority levelSeniority levelNot ApplicableEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionAdministrative and OtherIndustriesResearch Services and Government AdministrationReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Australian Institute of Marine Science by 2xGet notified about new Ecologist jobs in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.Townsville, Queensland, Australia 5 days agoTownsville, Queensland, Australia 3 days agoFish Ecologist Long-term Monitoring ProgramTownsville, Queensland, Australia A$76,454.00-A$110,957.00 2 days agoTownsville, Queensland, Australia 2 weeks agoTownsville, Queensland, Australia A$122,283.00-A$180,846.00 2 days agoPDP Next Generation Tools for Coral Monitoring TechnicianTownsville, Queensland, Australia A$88,578.00-A$95,846.00 1 week agoWere unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Job Title
Benthic Ecologist Long-Term Monitoring Program