As a statutory authority, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has the responsibility of managing Victoria's fisheries resources in a coordinated and strategic way to ensure their ongoing sustainability, while supporting the value they deliver to the commercial, recreational, aquaculture and Indigenous fishing sectors. We work with government and stakeholders to optimise the social, cultural and economic benefits of Victoria’s fisheries and aquaculture industries, while promoting sustainable and responsible practices.
The VFA supports the development of sustainable recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture activities in Victoria and delivers recreational fishing and boating infrastructure projects and programs.
Technical Officer - Endangered Species
- Salary: $79,122 - $96,073 (Plus superannuation)
- Fixed-term position for 24 months
- Usual hours of work: Full-time
- Usual work location: Snobs Creek, Eildon
The Role
The Technical Officer - Endangered species will support the operations of the Victorian Fisheries Authority's threatened species hatchery programs at Snobs Creek.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry, monitoring and system operation tasks required to ensure effective and efficient conservation and recovery production outcomes in a specialised aquaculture environment.
This position will be a key part of the hatchery teams that deliver high-quality conservation fish production, species recovery support and stocking outcomes across Victoria.
The Technical Officer – Endangered species reports directly to the Head of Fish Production and will work closely with other areas of the Victorian Fisheries Authority to achieve broader organisational objectives.
This role will be primarily onsite, with participation in stocking activities, Salmonid fish production and other hatchery operations required when and as needed to meet operational demands. Weekend work will be required.
Key accountabilities include:
- Undertake daily husbandry, feeding, grading and system checks to support high-quality production of threatened and priority native aquatic species.
- Support hatchery production activities including spawning, egg incubation, larval and juvenile rearing, live food production and preparation of stock for release.
- Operate and maintain aquaculture systems including RAS units, tanks, filtration systems and water quality monitoring equipment, escalating issues where required.
- Collect and maintain accurate operational data, SOPs and production records in accordance with hatchery, animal ethics and biosecurity requirements.
- Apply animal ethics approvals, biosecurity protocols and OH&S procedures to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
- Work collaboratively across hatchery teams, assist with stocking and Salmonid production when required, and support open days and public engagement activities promoting the VFA.
The Team
The position of Technical Officer - Endangered Species will work within the Hatcheries Unit, which sits within the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) group.
VFA's function is to ensure that the Government, Victorian fishing sector and general community obtain the benefits of careful management to ensure demand can be sustainably supported into the future. This is achieved by matching demand to fish stocking and infrastructure, while providing up to date information on resource condition and supporting regulatory requirements.
The VFA has around 170 employees located in the Melbourne CBD, metropolitan Melbourne and across regional Victoria.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have the following skills and experience:
- Sector Experience: Experience in aquaculture, agriculture, conservation breeding or animal husbandry, including feeding, monitoring and general stock management.
- Technical Skills: Practical experience operating and maintaining tanks, pumps, filtration systems and water quality monitoring equipment. Experience in live food production is desirable.
- Communication Skills: Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to follow direction and appropriately raise operational issues.
- Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify issues, analyse causes, and implement effective, practica
l solutions in a timely manner to minimise operational impact and improve outcomes.
- Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment and contribute to shared operational goals.
- Drive and Commitment: Demonstrated reliability, initiative and flexibility to support operational demands, including occasional weekend work.
- Planning and Organising: Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and organise work to meet deadlines in a technical environment. Shows attention to detail, follows established procedures, and can coordinate routine activities while adapting to changing priorities.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Chris Mullins, Head of Fish Production - Snobs Creek on 0405 466 546.
The department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button.
As part of the application process, please provide a:
- Cover letter outlined your interest in this position
- Current resume
Applications close at 23:59pm on Thursday, 7 May 2026.