Lead Offshore Marine Hydrographer

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 104,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Marine Hydrographer to lead offshore field deployments and coastal monitoring programs from the NSW Waverider initiative to data collection across tide gauges and moorings.

The ongoing full-time role requires planning, safety-focused operations, and coordination with vessel masters, field crews and contractors to deliver high-quality coastal data and environmental monitoring outcomes for NSW communities and industry.

Qualifications

• Experience leading offshore or nearshore marine field deployments and recovery operations.
• Practical experience with deployment, servicing, recovery and fault-finding of oceanographic or hydrographic equipment.
• Ability to plan and coordinate specialist vessel-based operations including logistics and contingencies.
• Sound judgement in assessing marine conditions and applying safety controls.
• Experience briefing field crews or contractors on complex tasks near water.
• Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation skills relevant to sensors and telemetry.
• Ability to read technical procedures, deployment plans and vessel requirements.
• Experience collecting and documenting oceanographic or environmental data.
• Ability to produce clear field records and technical reports for clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously and with teams to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead offshore and coastal field deployments from planning to recovery and reporting.
• Deploy, service and recover Waverider buoys, tide gauges, moorings and telemetry.
• Plan vessel, equipment, personnel and contractor logistics for offshore work.
• Brief field teams on work methods, hazards, controls and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate with vessel masters and contractors during lifting, towing and handling operations.
• Inspect, service and troubleshoot marine monitoring equipment before, during and after deployment.
• Collect and manage oceanographic data, ensuring quality and traceability.
• Maintain deployment records, asset histories and technical reports.
• Communicate with clients and stakeholders to align priorities and deliverables.
• Ensure safe procurement and management of contractors and equipment.

Skills

Offshore field deployments

Oceanographic instrumentation

Vessel coordination

Data quality assurance

Safety procedures

Contractor management

Technical procedures

Risk assessment

Swimming/rescue

Job description

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Marine Hydrographer to lead offshore field deployments and coastal monitoring programs from the NSW Waverider initiative to data collection across tide gauges and moorings.

The ongoing full-time role requires planning, safety-focused operations, and coordination with vessel masters, field crews and contractors to deliver high-quality coastal data and environmental monitoring outcomes for NSW communities and industry.