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Fish Farm Technician - NIWA
Jobs
#657733
Full Time
Job Description
Full job description
About us
At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we’re proud of our contribution to science and innovation in Aotearoa. You’ll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work has impact. To deliver the science needed to achieve meaningful change, we are committed to providing the best for our people, strengthening domestic and international collaborations, partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing wisely in essential assets and infrastructure. We also uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain a strong focus on financial sustainability, ensuring our work continues to make a lasting difference.
About the position
Our technicians are at the heart of operations at our cutting-edge, commercial-scale Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Kingfish research farm. In this hands-on role, you’ll help care for our Kingfish stock, assist with harvesting, and ensure top-quality standards are met.
Your day will be varied, ranging from fish husbandry and hygiene tasks to data collection and equipment maintenance, keeping our systems running smoothly and our fish thriving.
Because our farm operates 24/7, 365 days a year, you’ll enjoy a dynamic roster that can include shift work, some weekends and public holidays, and participation in an after-hours alarm standby rotation.
If you’re looking for a role where every day brings new challenges and the chance to contribute to sustainable aquaculture, this is it!
This position sits within the NIWA business unit of Earth Sciences New Zealand.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting the operation of our RAS Kingfish farm
Performing plant and equipment maintenance
Carrying out fish husbandry and hygiene duties
Collecting and recording data accurately
Following Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring compliance with biosecurity and health & safety practices
About you
Experience in aquaculture and fish husbandry, preferably in a commercial setting
Hands-on experience with fish production and RAS systems
Ability to troubleshoot and maintain large-scale equipment
Confined Space and Working at Heights training
Physically fit and comfortable working in a wet environment
Strong communication and literacy skills
We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point in the position description, please still get in touch!
What you’ll bring
Good computer literacy preferred, though some training can be given
Basic plumbing and low voltage electrical wiring experience
Ability to work at times under pressure of deadlines
Ability to see problems as they develop, promptly escalating issues if beyond technical capability or delegated authority
Ability to work co-operatively with the RAS team and to liaise with clients
A good understanding of biosecurity and welfare with regards to commercial aquaculture
What we offer
You’ll be part of a supportive team in a growing aquaculture industry, working on innovative projects that contribute to sustainable seafood production.
We offer training opportunities and a positive workplace culture focused on health, safety, and wellbeing.
Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
Job Details
Crown research institute
NIWA
Reference #
59919
Posted on
15 Dec 2026
Closes on
28 Dec 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Bream Bay
Expertise
Animal Science, Farm Systems & Environment, Animal Production, Aquaculture, Plant & Animal Products, Seafood Technologies, Biosecurity
Job level(s)
Technician
Work type(s)
Permanent
More details (document)
Fish Farm Technician PD - December 2026.pdf
About us
At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we’re proud of our contribution to science and innovation in Aotearoa. You’ll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work has impact. To deliver the science needed to achieve meaningful change, we are committed to providing the best for our people, strengthening domestic and international collaborations, partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing wisely in essential assets and infrastructure. We also uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain a strong focus on financial sustainability, ensuring our work continues to make a lasting difference.
About the position
Our technicians are at the heart of operations at our cutting-edge, commercial-scale Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Kingfish research farm. In this hands-on role, you’ll help care for our Kingfish stock, assist with harvesting, and ensure top-quality standards are met.
Your day will be varied, ranging from fish husbandry and hygiene tasks to data collection and equipment maintenance, keeping our systems running smoothly and our fish thriving.
Because our farm operates 24/7, 365 days a year, you’ll enjoy a dynamic roster that can include shift work, some weekends and public holidays, and participation in an after-hours alarm standby rotation.
If you’re looking for a role where every day brings new challenges and the chance to contribute to sustainable aquaculture, this is it!
This position sits within the NIWA business unit of Earth Sciences New Zealand.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting the operation of our RAS Kingfish farm
Performing plant and equipment maintenance
Carrying out fish husbandry and hygiene duties
Collecting and recording data accurately
Following Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring compliance with biosecurity and health & safety practices
About you
Experience in aquaculture and fish husbandry, preferably in a commercial setting
Hands-on experience with fish production and RAS systems
Ability to troubleshoot and maintain large-scale equipment
Confined Space and Working at Heights training
Physically fit and comfortable working in a wet environment
Strong communication and literacy skills
We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point in the position description, please still get in touch!
What you’ll bring
Good computer literacy preferred, though some training can be given
Basic plumbing and low voltage electrical wiring experience
Ability to work at times under pressure of deadlines
Ability to see problems as they develop, promptly escalating issues if beyond technical capability or delegated authority
Ability to work co-operatively with the RAS team and to liaise with clients
A good understanding of biosecurity and welfare with regards to commercial aquaculture
What we offer
You’ll be part of a supportive team in a growing aquaculture industry, working on innovative projects that contribute to sustainable seafood production.
We offer training opportunities and a positive workplace culture focused on health, safety, and wellbeing.
Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
Job Details
Crown research institute
NIWA
Reference #
59919
Posted on
15 Dec 2026
Closes on
28 Dec 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Bream Bay
Expertise
Animal Science, Farm Systems & Environment, Animal Production, Aquaculture, Plant & Animal Products, Seafood Technologies, Biosecurity
Job level(s)
Technician
Work type(s)
Permanent
More details (document)
Fish Farm Technician PD - December 2026.pdf
