Aquaculture Technician – NIWA

NIWA (the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research) is a dynamic research organisation and New Zealand’s largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater, and marine science. Our core purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

NIWA is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading provider of research and consultancy services for the aquaculture industry in New Zealand and overseas.

What we’re looking for:

We seek a motivated and dynamic technician to join our team at NIWA’s Northland Aquaculture Centre (NAC), supporting the delivery of a range of aquaculture research, services, and commercialisation initiatives. The position involves:

• working across a range of fish husbandry activities, including finfish egg and larval incubation, live feed production and broodstock management.
• rearing and juvenile production of shellfish and other marine species.
• monitoring and maintenance activities, including hygiene duties, plant and equipment maintenance, water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment and other laboratory and data management work.

The NAC is a 7-days a week operation and the position is likely to involve working on some statutory holidays, some rostered weekend duties and rostered after hours on call duties.  

What you will bring:

To be successful in this position you will be an excellent team player, with ‘can do’ attitude and dedicated to delivering to high standards. You’ll have a passion for the environment, sustainable food production and working with animals. You’ll be motivated by the opportunity to make a significant contribution to NZ’s aquaculture industry, and having operational, ‘hands-on’ experience in aquaculture research or commercial activities will be a real advantage. It will also be helpful to have good computer literacy and an interest in science to complement your practical skills and common sense.

A bit about NIWA:

The position is based at NIWA’s Northland Aquaculture Centre (NAC) in Ruakaka, northern New Zealand. The NAC is New Zealand’s principal aquaculture research facility and aquaculture industrial park, comprising eight hectares of coastal land with infrastructure that supports a wide and growing range of research and commercial initiatives.

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and we pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.