Range Operator

Ventia; Puckapunyal; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training and development

Defence industry experience

Career growth opportunities

Employee wellbeing programs

Culture built on Integrity,Collab,Cur​

Job summary

Ventia is seeking a Range Operator for the Puckapunyal Defence Base to support Defence training activities across the range training areas and other environments. You will work closely with a small team to prepare ranges, operate target systems, and support firefighting and environmental tasks.

The role involves outdoor, hands-on work, safety-first attitude, and teamwork within a defence-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Manual Driver's Licence.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read maps and navigate remote environments.
• Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare training ranges for Defence exercises and live-fire activities.
• Operate and maintain electronic target systems and range equipment.
• Support Defence personnel during training activities.
• Ensure compliance with Range Standing Orders and site safety requirements.
• Conduct range and site inspections.
• Manufacture, repair and maintain targets.
• Perform general maintenance and land management activities.
• Undertake cleaning and housekeeping across the training area.
• Support environmental and vegetation management programs.
• Assist with bushfire firefighting within qualifications and crew limits.
• Operate vehicles, machinery and equipment as required.

Skills

Reading maps

Safety focus

Teamwork

Education

PUATEA001 – Work in a Team

PUAFIR215 – Prevent Injury

PUAFIR204 – Respond to Wildfire

PUAOPE013 – Operate Communications Systems and Equipment

Tools

Manual Driver's Licence

Job description

Ventia has an opportunity for a Range Operator to join our team at Puckapunyal Defence Base.

This hands-on role supports Defence training activities across the Puckapunyal Range Training Areas and other Range training environments.

Working as part of a close-knit team, you'll be involved in range operations, target systems, maintenance, land management and bushfire response activities.

No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work and being part of a team that delivers essential services.

About The Role

Reporting to the Range Supervisor, you'll support a broad range of operational activities across the training area, including:

• Preparing training ranges for Defence exercises and live-fire activities
• Operating and maintaining electronic target systems and range equipment
• Supporting Defence personnel during training activities
• Ensuring compliance with Range Standing Orders and site safety requirements
• Conducting range and site inspections
• Manufacturing, repairing and maintaining targets
• Performing general maintenance and land management activities
• Undertaking cleaning and housekeeping activities across the training area
• Assisting with environmental and vegetation management programs
• Supporting first-response bushfire firefighting activities within the limits of qualifications and crew requirements
• Operating vehicles, machinery and equipment as required

About You

You are reliable, safety-focused and enjoy working in a physically active outdoor environment.

Essential

• Current Manual Driver's Licence
• Ability to read maps and navigate remote environments
• Basic computer skills
• Strong commitment to safety and teamwork
• PUATEA001 – Work in a Team
• PUAFIR215 – Prevent Injury
• PUAFIR204 – Respond to Wildfire
• PUAOPE013 – Operate Communications Systems and Equipment

Highly Regarded

• Medium Rigid (MR) or Heavy Rigid (HR) Licence
• First Aid and CPR certification
• CFA, emergency services or bushfire firefighting experience
• Experience operating communication equipment, power tools and chainsaws

Crew Leader Qualifications (Advantageous)

• PUACOM001 – Communicate in the Workplace
• PUAFIR303 – Suppress Wildfire
• PUALAW001 – Protect and Preserve Incident Scene
• PUAOPE012 – Control a Level 1 Incident
• PUAOPE014 – Navigate to an Incident
• PUAOPE015 – Conduct Briefings and Debriefings
• PUATEA002 – Work Autonomously

What You'll Enjoy

• Permanent full-time employment
• Monday to Friday roster with overtime opportunities
• Comprehensive training and development
• Opportunity to gain specialist Defence industry experience
• Strong team culture and supportive leadership
• Employee recognition and wellbeing programs
• Career growth opportunities within Ventia
• A workplace built on Integrity, Collaboration, Curiosity and Care

Please note: Applicants must be Australian Citizens and able to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance. Pre-employment medical assessments, including drug and alcohol testing, will apply.

About Ventia

As a leading services provider, we maintain, operate, and manage the essential infrastructure that makes modern life possible across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 35,000 employees and subcontractors across 400 sites, joining Ventia means becoming part of a team that values its people, supports career growth, and helps everyone go further towards their full potential.

Our commitment to Fairness, Inclusion and Respect shapes how we lead, collaborate, hire and support one another. We welcome applications from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all genders, identities, sexual orientations, beliefs and caring responsibilities. We are dedicated to providing an accessible recruitment process and encourage you to request adjustments at any stage.

Position Reference Number: 168199