General Purpose Hand

Port of Portland Pty Limited; Portland; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Port of Portland Pty Limited in Portland, VIC, seeks a motivated General Purpose Hand to support marine operations. You’ll work with Masters, Engineers and maintenance staff, performing deckhand duties, towage support, and routine vessel maintenance.

The role requires holding a Certificate of Competence as General Purpose Hand and knowledge of marine safety standards; experience in marine or industrial environments is preferred.

Qualifications

• Holds a Certificate of Competence as a General Purpose Hand or equivalent.
• Knowledge of marine, health and safety and environmental standards.
• Experience in marine, industrial, trade, or operational environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support towage operations, mooring activities, and day-to-day marine services.
• Perform deckhand duties including lookout, line handling, towline operations, winch use, and gangway rigging.
• Assist with planned, routine, and emergency maintenance of vessels and marine plant to maintain readiness.
• Conduct inspections, housekeeping, safety checks, and equipment maintenance.
• Support cargo, stores, and spare parts handling and inventory requirements.

Skills

Deckhand duties

Towage operations

Maintenance support

Safety focus

Teamwork

Education

Certificate of Competence – General Purpose Hand

Job description

Port of Portland Pty Limited – Portland VIC

Port of Portland is a strategic deepwater port in south-west Victoria, serving as an international gateway and key enabler for approximately 5.2 million tonnes of imports and exports each year.

Why join Port of Portland?

At Port of Portland, we do more than facilitate trade, we connect our region with the world.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values; Collaboration, Safety, Integrity, Resilience, and Excellence, we support a culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and committed to continuous improvement.

Safety is not just a priority; it’s a shared commitment and a deeply embedded part of how we work. Whether you're shaping operations, strengthening administrative processes, or supporting critical infrastructure, you’ll be part of a team where safety-first is non-negotiable, and your wellbeing is protected.

We’re a place where you’re known by name, your contribution is valued, and where you'll have the space to grow your skills, shape your career, and help us deliver lasting value for our customers, employees, shareholders, and community.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and safety-focused General Purpose Hand to join our Marine team.

Working closely with Masters, Engineers, and Maintenance Superintendent, you’ll perform hands-on deckhand duties, support vessel handling and towage operations, assist with planned and emergency maintenance, and help maintain the readiness of Port of Portland’s tug fleet and marine equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support towage operations, mooring activities, and day-to-day marine services.
• Perform deckhand duties including lookout and watchkeeping, line handling, towline operations, winch use, gangway rigging, and general shipboard tasks.
• Assist with planned, routine, and emergency maintenance of vessels, towage equipment, marine plant, and associated shore-based facilities to maintain operational readiness.
• Conduct inspections, housekeeping, safety checks, and equipment maintenance.
• Support cargo, stores, and critical spare parts handling, including vessel supplies and maintenance inventory requirements.

For further details, refer to the position description and the Port of Portland - MUA Deckhands Enterprise Agreement 2022.

About You

You are a practical, reliable, and safety-focused, comfortable working in the maritime industry, with a willingness to work as a team deckhand duties, maintenance support, and operational tasks while responding effectively to changing priorities, balancing shift work.

You are practical, reliable, and safety-focused, and comfortable working in a marine environment, including working onboard vessels. You enjoy hands-on work, work well as part of a team, and can balance deckhand duties, maintenance support, and operational tasks on shift-based rosters.

The successful candidate will hold a Certificate of Competence as a General Purpose Hand (or equivalent) and understand marine, health and safety and environmental statutory requirements, regulations and industry standards. Experience in marine, industrial, trade, or operational environments is preferred.

You also bring a commitment to promoting an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative team environment where people feel supported and valued. If you’re proactive, safety-focused, and ready to drive improvements, we want to hear from you.

Why join our team?

Join a growing port where your contribution will make a lasting impact.

You’ll enjoy a varied and rewarding career, with exposure to a broad range of activities and the opportunity to grow your skills in a unique and meaningful environment. Here’s what you can expect:

• A strong focus on employee wellbeing, including access to wellness programs, regular health checks, mental health training, discounted gym memberships, and access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Program
• Ongoing training and professional development to support your career goals
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued
• Access to additional leave options and flexible work arrangements

For further information please contact Sarah Tolliday,People and Culture Managerat**********@portofportland.com.au.