Austral Fisheries, one of Australia’s leading commercial fishing companies, is seeking a Refrigeration Mechanic to join our Northern Prawn Fishery team full-time. This is a rare opportunity to step beyond standard commercial work and build a specialised marine engineering career.

The Opportunity

This is a shore-based role with occasional short trips to sea, ideal for a refrigeration mechanic who wants to expand their skill set beyond standard commercial or industrial work.

You’ll be part of a close-knit, highly skilled engineering team, working directly with the Engineering and Refit Superintendent on vessel maintenance and refits, breakdown response and continuous improvement of onboard systems.

You’ll also gain valuable sea time, helping you work towards your Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 (MED2) qualification if that’s a pathway you want to pursue.

In short: this role offers exposure and experience that’s far beyond what most refrigeration mechanics ever get.

What You’ll Be Working On

Expect hands-on experience across a wide range of marine systems, including:

• Refrigeration

• Electrical

• Hydraulic

• Propulsion

• Pumps and plumbing, and

• General ship superstructure and maintenance.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, variety, and technical challenge.

Training & Career Development

We don’t just hire tradespeople – we invest in them:

• Support towards your MED2 certification (once sea time requirements are met)

• Forklift licence

• Elevated Work Platform (EWP)

• Confined Space training

• Working at Heights

• Opportunities to build leadership and supervisory skills over time.

• Additional training relevant to marine engineering and vessel operations.

If you’re early in your career, keen to learn, and eager to expand your skill set, this role offers unique exposure across multiple marine engineering disciplines - well beyond the typical scope of your current trade!

Pay & Benefits

• 40-hour working week

• Overtime available during refits, sea trips and Karumba operations

• Option to take overtime as paid overtime or time off in lieu

• Access to company vehicles for work purposes

• Strong mentorship from experienced industry professionals

• A clear pathway into a specialist, high-demand engineering field

About You

You’ll bring:

• Certificate III in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

• A proactive, reliable, hands-on approach

• Willingness to learn and step outside your comfort zone

• A positive attitude and strong work ethic

• Physical capability for practical, operational work

• Interest in long-term career development in a specialised field

Why Austral?

This is more than just another refrigeration role. It’s a chance to diversify your trade, work on marine systems, and build a career path that stands out.

If you’re ready to take your trade skills further and work in an environment most mechanics never experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume and a short cover letter outlining why you’re the right fit.