RAS Operations Technician - NIWA

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 ensure the recirculation water treatment system is functioning optimally, assist with harvesting and fish husbandry, and ensure top-quality standards are met.
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:
• Ensuring optimal performance of the reuse system/water treatment area of the RAS facility
• 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
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:
• A good understanding of recirculating finfish aquaculture or water treatment systems design, construction and operation
• Hands-on experience with water treatment plant or RAS systems in a commercial environment
• Experience operating and maintaining aquaculture or water treatment systems, with an eye for continual optimisation
• Experience working in a physically demanding role (e.g., construction, trades or primary production)
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain large-scale equipment
• Strong communication and literacy skills

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

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.

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

We know that talented people—especially those from under-represented or neurodiverse communities—sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we’d love to hear from you and we’re committed to supporting your growth.

Apply now
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.