Assistant Reef Operations Manager

Journey Beyond; Airlie Beach; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous travel discounts

Study assistance policy

Career progression opportunities

Parental Leave program

Private Health discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Merchandise discounts

Public transport benefits

Job summary

Journey Beyond in the Whitsundays seeks an experienced Assistant Reef Operations Manager to oversee daily pontoon and Heart pontoon activities, leading the crew to deliver premium guest experiences while upholding safety and compliance.

Reporting to the Operations Experience Manager, you’ll mentor staff, run inductions, maintain equipment and records, and coordinate two offshore operations to ensure smooth, memorable adventures for guests.

Qualifications

• Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal).
• Master 5 / MED 2 or 3 qualification highly regarded.
• First aid and CPR certifications.
• RSA certification and background check clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage crew workflow and hours across Reefworld and Heart pontoons.
• Mentor and support pontoon crew with regular performance conversations.
• Supervise in-water operations per the In Water Operations Manual.
• Conduct vessel safety inductions and crew training as required.
• Ensure compliance with Cruise Whitsundays policies and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inspection records.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs of facilities and equipment.
• Manage pontoon stock and resources; liaise with departments for smooth operations.
• Assist with emergency response and incident management as required.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Crowd management

Public speaking

Time management

Safety compliance

Education

MAR20318 Certificate II in Maritime Operations

Master 5 / MED 2 or 3

HLTAID011 Provide first aid

HLTAID015 Provide CPR

SITHFAB009A Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol

Blue Card (Working with Children’s Check)

National Police Check

Job description

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with. When the ocean is your office, every day is good one!

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.

About the role

As the Assistant Reef Operations Manager, you play a key role in ensuring the efficient daily operations of Reefworld and Heart pontoons. Reporting into the Operations Experience Manager and working closely with Reefsleep Hosts, you lead the pontoon crew to provide exceptional guest experiences while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities include but not limited:

• Manage crew workflow and hours effectively.


• Mentor and support the pontoon crew through regular performance conversations.


• Supervise in-water operations in line with the In Water Operations Manual.


• Conduct Vessel Safety Inductions and crew training as per policies.


• Ensure adherence to Cruise Whitsundays Policies and Procedures while reporting incidents and hazards.


• Manage daily operations across both Reefworld and Heart pontoons.


• Manage crew workflow, hours and operational requirements effectively.


• Mentor and support pontoon crew through regular performance conversations.


• Supervise in-water operations in line with the In Water Operations Manual.


• Conduct Vessel Safety Inductions and crew training as required.


• Ensure compliance with Cruise Whitsundays Policies, Procedures and safety standards.


• Monitor and report incidents, hazards and operational issues.


• Maintain both pontoons to a high standard, ensuring a premium guest experience.


• Conduct routine safety, operational and maintenance inspections.


• Coordinate maintenance and repairs as required.


• Ensure equipment, facilities and presentation meet safety, compliance and operational standards.


• Maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inspection records.


• Manage pontoon stock, equipment and operational resources.


• Liaise with relevant departments to ensure smooth daily operations.


• Assist with emergency response and incident management as required.


• Support the Operations Experience Manager with operational planning.

About you

As an experienced team leader, you are passionate about service delivery and high performance, embodying a positive \"can-do\" attitude.Withstrong organisational skills,you inspire, motivate, and engage your team, dedicating yourselfto going above and beyond for our guests. You ensure that every interaction contributes to creating ongoing memorable and unique experiences. With a focus on safety, compliance, and excellent service, you lead your crew in delivering exceptional standards that reflect the values of our organisation.

To be successful in this role you will be able to:

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills while also being capable of taking direction when necessary.


• Exhibit strong problem-solving abilities with a keen eye for detail, ensuring accurate and effective outcomes.


• Possess sound written and verbal communication skills, complemented by strong crowd management and public speaking abilities.


• Work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team, managing time effectively and prioritising tasks to meet deadlines.


• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, compliance and operational standards.


• Lead by example, maintaining a professional and positive approach in challenging or high-pressure situations.


• Demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities across two offshore operations.


• Have a strong understanding of routine maintenance, inspections and the presentation of guest-facing facilities.


• Demonstrate the ability to build strong working relationships with crew, management and other departments.


• Be proactive, adaptable and willing to go above and beyond to support the team and deliver an exceptional guest experience.

• MAR20318 - Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal),


• Master 5/ MED 2 or 3 highly regarded


• Minimum of 2 years managerial experience


• HLTAID011 Provide first aid


• HLTAID015 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy


• SITHFAB009A - Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol


• Blue Card (Working with Children’s Check


• Current National Police Check


• Royal Flying Doctors Service (Medical Chest)

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences

• An attractive salary and positive work environment


• Study Assistance Policy


• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments


• Employee Referral Policy


• Parental Leave program


• Purchased Leave policy


• Private Health discountsEmployee Assistance Program


• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise


• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar


• Discounts off the bar on board vessels


• Free public transport


• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits