Port Hydrographer

Fremantle Ports

Fremantle

On-site

AUD 110,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Fully equipped gymnasium

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Salary packaging benefits

Professional development

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Fremantle Ports invites applications for a Port Hydrographer to safeguard vessel movements and support navigational decisions from the Harbour Master’s Office in Fremantle, WA. You will lead hydrographic surveys, manage dredging programs, and ensure accurate channel depths for pilots and agents.

With at least five years in port hydrographic surveying, you will hold a surveying degree and Level 1 Hydrographic Certification.

Qualifications

Degree qualification in Surveying (or related discipline) and Level 1 Hydrographic Surveyor Certification.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in hydrographic surveying within a port or maritime environment.
Experience managing maintenance dredging programs, sediment management, and channel/berth depth reporting.
Strong knowledge of hydrographic, oceanographic, and meteorological systems, equipment, and survey techniques.
Proven project management skills and experience managing contractors, vendors, and service delivery agreements.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills, with the ability to interpret data, prepare technical reports, and clearly communicate complex information to a range of audiences.
Current Australian Class C Driver’s Licence and ability to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
Advanced knowledge of oceanographic and meteorological sensor systems and interfaces.
Accreditation by the Australian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel.
Experience in marine incident and oil spill response.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all hydrographic surveys, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.
Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to the Harbour Master on hydrographic and navigational matters.
Coordinate sediment management activities, including sweep bar operations, to maintain safe navigational depths.
Manage the Port’s maintenance dredging programs, including contractor coordination and regulatory approvals.
Ensure the accurate promulgation of channel and berth depths to pilots, shipping agents, and other port users.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) system and MetOcean infrastructure.
Manage hydrographic survey budgets, expenditure, and contractor performance.
Direct and support the Small Craft Team in delivering hydrographic survey activities across port waters.
Oversee marine navigation support systems, including Portable Pilotage Units and associated service providers.
Coordinate the preparation and distribution of Notices to Mariners, navigation warnings, and other marine safety information.
Support marine emergency response activities as a member of the Incident Management Team, including oversight of oil spill response equipment.
Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, consultants, industry stakeholders, and the Australian Hydrographic Office while representing Fremantle Ports in relevant forums and working groups.

Skills

Hydrographic surveying

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Education

Degree in Surveying or related discipline

Level 1 Hydrographic Surveyor Certification

Tools

Hydrographic survey equipment

Job description

Fremantle Ports’ refreshed 2027 Strategic Plan marks an exciting new chapter for one of Australia’s most successful ports. Building on decades of expertise, we’re setting a bold vision for the future — and we need an experienced, values-drivenPort Hydrographer to help make it happen.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, love working in a fast-paced environment, and are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, this could be the role for you.

Role Highlights

Join our Harbour Master’s Office as a Port Hydrographer, where you will play a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of vessels through the port. As the technical expert on hydrographic, oceanographic, and navigational matters, you will oversee critical survey programs, marine assets, and navigation support systems, including dredging, sediment management, MetOcean infrastructure, and the Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) program. Combining technical expertise with a continuous improvement mindset, you will help optimise navigation routes, enhance operational performance, and ensure compliance with maritime standards, supporting the port’s ongoing success and growth.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead and manage all hydrographic surveys, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.

Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to the Harbour Master on hydrographic and navigational matters.

Coordinate sediment management activities, including sweep bar operations, to maintain safe navigational depths.

Manage the Port’s maintenance dredging programs, including contractor coordination and regulatory approvals.

Ensure the accurate promulgation of channel and berth depths to pilots, shipping agents, and other port users.

Oversee the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC) system and MetOcean infrastructure.

Manage hydrographic survey budgets, expenditure, and contractor performance.

Direct and support the Small Craft Team in delivering hydrographic survey activities across port waters.

Oversee marine navigation support systems, including Portable Pilotage Units and associated service providers.

Coordinate the preparation and distribution of Notices to Mariners, navigation warnings, and other marine safety information.

Support marine emergency response activities as a member of the Incident Management Team, including oversight of oil spill response equipment.

Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, consultants, industry stakeholders, and the Australian Hydrographic Office while representing Fremantle Ports in relevant forums and working groups.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Degree qualification in Surveying (or related discipline) and Level 1 Hydrographic Surveyor Certification.

Minimum 5 years’ experience in hydrographic surveying within a port or maritime environment.

Experience managing maintenance dredging programs, sediment management, and channel/berth depth reporting.

Strong knowledge of hydrographic, oceanographic, and meteorological systems, equipment, and survey techniques.

Proven project management skills and experience managing contractors, vendors, and service delivery agreements.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills, with the ability to interpret data, prepare technical reports, and clearly communicate complex information to a range of audiences.

Current Australian Class C Driver’s Licence and ability to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).

Advanced knowledge of oceanographic and meteorological sensor systems and interfaces.

Accreditation by the Australian Hydrographic Surveyors Certification Panel.

Experience in marine incident and oil spill response.

What We Offer

Join Fremantle Ports and be part of a proud organisation with a rich history and culture that makes a significant contribution to the WA economy. Primarily based in Fremantle, you’ll enjoy a unique workplace with stunning ocean views, rich heritage and striking architecture in the heart of the Victoria Quay precinct, which is currently undergoing exciting revitalisation. You’ll also enjoy variety through occasional travel to our Kwinana facilities.

Free onsite parking and access to a fully equipped gymnasium.

Flexible working arrangements that support work–life balance.

Generous annual leave entitlements.

Access to salary packaging benefits.

Ongoing professional development and career growth opportunities.

Comprehensive health, wellbeing, and employee support programs.

Get to Know Us

Fremantle Ports is a Government Trading Enterprise with proven commercial success and a highly regarded reputation with its partners, the community, and other stakeholders. The Port of Fremantle is a vital transport hub, supporting Western Australia's economic growth by facilitating more than $45 billion of trade in FY2023-24. Fremantle Ports acts as both a landlord, and the operator of its own import and export facilities in Kwinana.

We are proud to have a clear set of four values that set expectations about how we will behave: collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. These are brought together and further supported under the acronym of CARE.

For specific queries, please contact the recruitment team via jobapplications@fremantleports.com.au. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 26 July, 5:00pm AWST.

Fremantle Ports is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, underpinned by our values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce by providing supportive career pathways and development opportunities. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged.

Job Info