Operations Manager – Marine Depot

Cairns Adventure Group; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cairns Adventure Group is seeking an Operations Manager – Marine to oversee daily marine operations in Cairns. You will lead on-ground and on-water teams, ensure compliance with AMSA, maintain safety standards, and drive departures.

You’ll manage rostering, vessel availability, and liaise with regulators, with training provided for jet boat qualifications. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, practical problem-solving, and the ability to maintain guest satisfaction in a dynamic marine

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar operational leadership role.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Current Coxswain ticket (or higher).
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to drive boats and obtain the required Jet Boat qualification if needed.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Understanding of safety regulations and compliance requirements within the marine industry.
• Engineering tickets or knowledge.
• Experience using Respax and SharePoint.
• Knowledge of Work Health and Safety requirements, particularly in adventure tourism.
• Experience managing multiple vessels and teams in a marine tourism setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all marine operations, ensuring smooth, on-time departures and an outstanding guest experience.
• Operate vessels as required, including driving boats and obtaining the necessary Jet Boat qualification if not already held.
• Oversee vessel maintenance, servicing, and compliance with AMSA and other regulatory requirements.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and troubleshoot operational issues, using practical problem-solving skills to find workable solutions when unexpected mechanical challenges arise.
• Manage rostering, vessel availability, and operational schedules to maximise efficiency.
• Maintain and update Safety Management System (SMS) documents and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
• Supervise and train marine staff, ensuring compliance with all required licences and certifications.
• Monitor supplies, stock levels, and operational resources to ensure seamless daily operations.
• Act as a key contact for Ports North, National Parks, and other external regulatory bodies, submitting reports as required.

Skills

Maritime leadership

Coxswain ticket

First Aid CPR

Boat operation

Jet boat qualification

Safety regulations

Work health safety

Respax

SharePoint

Vessel management

Leadership

Tools

Respax

SharePoint

Job description

Location:Marlin Marina, Cairns, QLD
Reporting to: Group Operations Manager & General Manager

About Us

Cairns Adventure Group is a leader in marine tourism, offering unique experiences such as jet boating, boat hire, and river cruises. We’re passionate about delivering unforgettable adventures, ensuring our guests leave with smiles and stories to tell. Operating in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we need a strong leader who thrives on action, teamwork, and ensuring smooth operations on the water.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a highly motivated and experienced Operations Manager – Marineto oversee the day-to-day running of our marine operations. This is not a desk job, you’ll be on the ground and on the water daily, actively leading the team, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high standards of safety and guest satisfaction.

A key part of this role involves driving vessels as part of daily operations. The successful candidate must already hold all required marine licences; however, prior experience operating Jet Boats is not essential, as training will be provided to obtain the necessary qualifications and skills.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all marine operations, ensuring smooth, on-time departures and an outstanding guest experience.

Operate vessels as required, including driving boats and obtaining the necessary Jet Boat qualification if not already held.

Oversee vessel maintenance, servicing, and compliance with AMSA and other regulatory requirements.

Perform minor mechanical repairs and troubleshoot operational issues, using practical problem-solving skills to find workable solutions when unexpected mechanical challenges arise.

Manage rostering, vessel availability, and operational schedules to maximise efficiency.

Maintain and update Safety Management System (SMS) documents and ensure all safety protocols are followed.

Supervise and train marine staff, ensuring compliance with all required licences and certifications.

Monitor supplies, stock levels, and operational resources to ensure seamless daily operations.

Act as a key contact for Ports North, National Parks, and other external regulatory bodies, submitting reports as required.

Skills and Qualifications

Proven experience in a similar operational leadership role.

Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Current Coxswain ticket (or higher).

First Aid and CPR certification.

Ability to drive boats and willingness to obtain the required qualification to operate Jet Boats.

Strong organisational and time management abilities.

Understanding of safety regulations and compliance requirements within the marine industry.

Engineering tickets or knowledge.

Experience using Respax and SharePoint.

Knowledge of Work Health and Safety requirements, particularly in adventure tourism.

Experience managing multiple vessels and teams in a marine tourism setting.

Why Join Us?

Be part of an energetic and fun team, working at one of Cairns’ premier adventure tourism locations.

A dynamic, hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same.

Staff discounts, get out on the water and enjoy the adventure!

Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Cairns Adventure Group is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Cairns Adventure Group is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all backgrounds.