Pontoon Caretaker | Cruise Whitsundays

Journey Beyond

Airlie Beach

On-site

AUD 55,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences

Attractive salary

Study Assistance Policy

Career progression opportunities

Employee Referral Policy

Parental Leave program

Purchased Leave policy

Private Health discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on merchandise

Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar

Free public transport

Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

Job summary

A leading experiential tourism company is seeking a Pontoon Caretaker to maintain ancillary vessels and equipment on the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring excellent facilities for guests. This full-time role features a 7 days on/7 days off roster, with shared accommodation and meals provided on duty. The ideal candidate must possess marine safety knowledge, strong leadership skills, and relevant certifications. Generous discounts and a supportive work environment are part of the package.

Qualifications

Must be a team player with a can-do attitude.
Comfortable living and working on water for extended periods.
Demonstrated previous deckhand experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure the exceptional presentation of the pontoons and auxiliary vessels.
Handle vessels and comply with safety management systems.
Maintain and operate pontoon generators and engines.

Skills

Leadership skills

Marine safety knowledge

Customer service

Education

AMSA accredited Coxswains Grade 1 (Open); or Master <24 and a MED 2/3 ticket

Radio Operators License

HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid

HLTAID015 - CPR & Apply Oxygen

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

Our Pontoon Caretakers are an integral part of the team primarily responsible for the servicing and maintenance of ancillary vessels, machinery and equipment on our Hardy Reef pontoons ensuring the best facilities for our day and overnight guests. A unique opportunity to live and work on the Great Barrier Reef where together with the hospitality team, you will share special places and create lasting memories.

This will be a full‑time position on a lifestyle roster, 7 days on/ 7 days off, at our Reefworld Pontoon located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef departing from Airlie Beach, QLD. Shared accommodation and meals provided whilst on‑duty at the Reefworld Pontoon.

Your days might include:

Ensuring exceptional presentation of the Pontoons and Auxiliary vessels;
Vessel handling and compliance with Safety Management Systems;
Maintenance and operation of pontoon generators and engines;
General pontoon operational tasks;
Undertaking crew training including in‑water training and vessel inductions;
Ensuring maintenance is undertaken on board and defects are recorded;
Conducting rescue and lookout duties for guests;
Customer service and product delivery working closely with the hospitality team.

About the Role

To be successful you will be a team player with a demonstrated positive “can‑do” attitude, be comfortable living and working on water for extended periods of time. You will have previous deckhand experience, a general aptitude for maintenance and engineering, and ability to deliver professional customer service. You should be resourceful, a creative problem solver and able to think on your feet.

Successful candidates will have

Proven leadership skills with strong marine safety knowledge and compliance expertise
Excellent communication abilities to guide and support the Deck Crew
Strong organisational skills and effective time management
Flexibility to work a remote 7/7 roster over weekdays, weekends and public holidays.