Who we are The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) aims to provide ecologically sustainable and economically efficient Commonwealth fisheries, through understanding and monitoring Australia's marine living resources and regulating and monitoring commercial fishing, including domestic licensing and deterrence of illegal foreign fishing. About the Observer Program The Observer Program is one of two at sea monitoring programs used to collect and verify scientific data that underpins evidence-based fisheries management decisions across Commonwealth fisheries. Data collected includes catch, effort, deployment of mitigation measures, interactions with protected species and biological data such as otoliths and length measurements. Our Observers validate high risk fishing activities, identify emerging risks and issues on vessels, and supply high quality information that supports stock assessments, fisheries management decisions and risk-based compliance activities. The Observer Program deploys fisheries observers from their home locations into any of the 24 Commonwealth fisheries across the Australian Fishing Zone and/or on the high seas or into the Southern Ocean. Observers work onboard Commonwealth fishing vessels or conduct port-based sampling to gather high quality scientific information. The data collected through the Observer Program supports stock assessments and helps assess how Commonwealth fisheries management arrangements are functioning. The Canberra based Observer Administration Team provides dedicated support to fisheries observers, coordinating deployments and working closely with AFMA business areas to understand and meet each fishery’s observer requirements. Why Join AFMA? Draw on science, the power of a team, and your individual curiosity to be part of a sustainable future for Australia's fisheries and oceans. At AFMA, you will be: Be challenged - work with the delicate balance of science, conservation and economics to make and support impactful decisions that shape sustainable fisheries and oceans managements. Be rewarded - benefit from excellent APS conditions with the flexibility and diversity of a small agency. Our people have breadth of work, providing a diverse range of opportunities for career development. Be connected - work as part of a connected and high performing team, with the opportunity to engage with local and international networks of community, industry and government to make a difference. Be you - work in a flexible environment where you are valued for your expertise, experience, point of view and diversity. Who we are looking for Our ideal candidate will have: the demonstrated ability to work independently in challenging environments, including remote locations and at sea, while operating effectively with limited supervision. strong personal and professional integrity, with a commitment to accountability and transparency in all aspects of work strong oral and written communication skills, with proven capability in liaison, stakeholder engagement, interpersonal communication and the preparation of clear, concise and well-structured reports. the ability to work collaboratively as a positive and effective team member, contributing constructively within small, dynamic team environments, maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. proficiency with key technical applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and relevant database systems, with the capacity to learn new tools as required. sound understanding of the Australian fishing industry and the Commonwealth’s role in fisheries management. awareness of AFMA’s legislative objectives, supported by a commitment to diversity and to maintaining high standards of workplace health and safety. a curiosity for innovation and a willingness to contribute to research projects involving AI and machine learning. demonstrated sound judgement when monitoring vessel compliance, documenting behaviours of concern, and escalating issues appropriately. the technical capability and eagerness to support evidence-based fisheries management. Desirable The following are highly desirable and advantageous: Demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies and experience in the collection of scientific data, with preference given to applicants who have undertaken biological sampling in at sea environments. Relevant tertiary qualification, or practical experience in Natural Resource Management, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field will be highly valued. Essential Requirements This position requires the successful applicant to: complete medical and functional fitness assessments at prescribed intervals (note: ongoing employment is conditional upon meeting and maintaining AFMA’s medical and fitness standards). undertake national and international travel and participate in regular at sea deployments, often at short notice, including periods of up to three months at sea. complete and maintain all mandatory training requirements, including Sea Safety and Remote First Aid. not hold, or have held, shares in Commonwealth fisheries or have been employed in Commonwealth fisheries within the previous 12 months to be eligible for consideration. The key duties of the position include: Working as an Observer is a unique, adventurous and highly rewarding career that offers unparalleled field experience and deep insight into life at sea. Observers are deployed from their home locations, enabling excellent work–life balance and flexible working arrangements. The role involves working in remote and often challenging environments, requiring resilience and the ability to operate independently in cold, wet conditions, rough seas and confined living quarters. Observers also undertake port-based sampling and regularly liaise with industry, AFMA management, compliance teams, peers and office-based staff, with all duties performed under limited supervision. AFMA’s Observers are deployed on a variety of commercial fishing vessels in and out of the Australian Fishing Zone domestically and internationally. The primary functions of the role include observing and documenting commercial fishing catches, collecting vessel, technical and biological data which is not normally obtainable through vessel logbooks, monitoring operations and documenting interactions with endangered, threatened, and protected species (ETPs). Reporting to the Observer Program Manager, in addition to meeting the work level standards of the position classification, as an Observer, you will: undertake regular at sea work in challenging conditions with limited supervision, including deployments across a range of commercial fishing vessels. collect vessel, technical and biological data not obtainable through logbooks, including catch composition, effort, gear use and protected species interactions. monitor environmental impacts of fishing operations and assess vessel performance against permit conditions and regulatory requirements. verify catch and effort information submitted by vessels and document discrepancies or potential non-compliance for further assessment. participate in fisheries research programs such as tagging, biological sampling, surveys and collaborative projects with partner agencies. enter data accurately and prepare end of trip reports to support scientific assessments and management decision making. liaise professionally with fishers and industry stakeholders regarding monitoring activities, expectations and program requirements. Exciting news! Our Observer positions are due to adapt, merging with our Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program. Outside periods of at sea observer deployment, Observers will also perform core EM Data Analyst duties. More information will be provided as the two programs integrate. Eligibility To be eligible for employment at AFMA, applicants must: be an Australian citizen have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a Baseline security clearance. be able to satisfy the requirements of an Australian Federal Police Check. hold, or have the capacity to obtain and maintain, a valid Australian passport. Notes Please ensure your read the position description including the pre-employment requirements. This is a register to express interest in casual Fisheries Observer positions. As such applicants will only be contacted and vacancies filled as the need arises. Applications will remain active on our register until 26 February 2027, or until you withdraw your application. Applications are not carried over after this time and you will be required to submit a new application for the following period.
