Fish health and R & D Manager

About Us:
Spring Creek Barramundi is an industry leader in Barramundi aquaculture, located in Townsville. Australian owned and operated, we have been successfully farming Barramundi for over 25 years.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Fish Health and R & D Manager to join our production team. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable professional to contribute directly to fish welfare, disease prevention and treatment, system and environmental water quality performance, operating strictly within permit conditions, research and development, and the ongoing optimisation of our farm operations.

The role combines office-based responsibilities with hands on work across the farm including data collection, analysis, reporting, treatment planning, record keeping, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

We have a strong, established team of long-term managers, supervisors and senior technicians who will support you in your role.

This position is offered on an attractive 9-day fortnight roster, supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Employees of GFB Fisheries have access to Workplace Health and Wellbeing Support for themselves and their family, including assistance with personal challenges, mental health, grief, separation and financial concerns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and assess fish health, behavior, condition, mortality and welfare across grow out operations.

• Assist with the identification, investigation and management of fish health issues, including disease outbreaks, parasite monitoring and biosecurity risks.

• Conduct routine and diagnostic microscope work, including skin, gill and parasite examinations.

• Plan, prepare, implementation and evaluation of fish treatments in accordance with farm procedures, veterinary advice and regulatory requirements.

• Undertake water quality monitoring, testing, analysis and reporting, including interpretation of results and identification of emerging trends or risks.

• Maintain accurate fish health, treatment, mortality, water quality and production records using farm management software and internal reporting systems.

• Manage research and development trials, data collection and evaluation of new treatment methods and system improvements

• Work closely with the farm manager, growout manager and farm teams to communicate fish health and water quality priorities.

• Provide practical guidance and coaching to team members on fish handling, biosecurity, welfare, sampling, treatment procedures and water quality awareness.

• Maintain a strong safety-first culture and ensure work is completed in line with company procedures, operational standards and relevant legislation.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Previous aquaculture experience in a role involving fish health, disease management and water quality

• Relevant qualifications in Aquaculture, Marine Science, Animal Health, Biology, Veterinary Technology or a related field are highly regarded.

• Demonstrated understanding of fish health, welfare, disease prevention, biosecurity and treatment practices.

• Experience conducting fish health assessments and diagnostic work, including microscope examination of fish samples.

• Strong practical knowledge of water quality parameters, testing methods and their impact on fish performance and welfare.

• Strong Microsoft Excel skills are essential, including the ability to accurately enter, manage, analyse and report production, fish health and water quality data.

• Competence using computer systems, spreadsheets, farm management software and digital data-entry platforms.

• Strong attention to detail, sound judgement and a methodical approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a production team.

• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate findings and recommendations to a range of staff.

• A practical, operationally minded, hands-on approach and willingness when required

• A commitment to workplace safety, animal welfare, continual improvement and teamwork.

Specific Position Requirements:*Or must be obtained after starting work, which we will arrange for you (at the candidate's expense)

• Current Drivers License

• Construction White Card*

• Current First Aid Certificate*

• Current Forklift License*

• Current Tele Handler License*

What We Offer:

• An attractive salary above industry standards.

• A 9-day fortnight roster to support work-life balance.

• A supportive and collaborative workplace with experienced aquaculture professionals.

• Opportunities to contribute to fish health innovation, research and development, and the ongoing improvement of a leading Barramundi operation.

• Access to confidential employee health and wellbeing support for you and your family.

Our Commitment:
At Spring Creek Barramundi, we are committed to creating a rewarding workplace built on honesty, integrity, safety, teamwork and continual improvement. We value people who take pride in producing healthy, high-quality fish and who are motivated to contribute to the long-term success of our farm.

If you have relevant experience in fish health, disease management, diagnostic microscopy and water quality, and are looking for a diverse role that combines practical farm work with technical and office-based responsibilities, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter through the Seek website. In your cover letter, outline your relevant aquaculture experience, particularly in fish health, disease management, microscope work, water quality monitoring and treatments, and explain why you would be a valued addition to the Coral Coast Barramundi team.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Applications close: September 19th 2026. Please look us up at www.springcreekbarramundi.com.au