Senior Marine Operations Officer – Return to 1616 Project

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Shire Of Upper Gascoyne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Staff discounts

Superannuation 12%

4 weeks annual leave

Public sector holidays

Learning and development programs

Job summary

DBCA in Western Australia seeks a Senior Marine Operations Officer to lead the Return to 1616 Project from Denham. The role oversees MV Wirruwana operations, logistics, and island works, reporting to the Project Manager.

Successful applicants will hold MED II (Near Coastal) and Master >24m (Near Coastal) qualifications, with a strong track record of teamwork, initiative, and safe vessel management. Fixed-term until 30 June 2030.

Qualifications

• Marine Engine Drivers (MED) II (Near Coastal) qualification and sound knowledge of and experience in the maintenance and repair of a vessel requiring this qualification.
• Master >24m (Near Coastal) qualification and sound knowledge of operating a vessel requiring this qualification.
• Sound knowledge and proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently; self-motivation and skills in organising works.

Responsibilities

• Operate the project barge MV Wirruwana as Master.
• Oversee repairs and maintenance to MV Wirruwana; travel to Perth, Geraldton, Dongara or Carnarvon as needed.
• Organise and implement logistical and operational activities using MV Wirruwana, including transporting personnel, vehicles and equipment between mainland and Dirk Hartog Island.
• Assist the Return to 1616 L3 Operations Officer with works on Dirk Hartog Island.

Skills

MED II Near Coastal

Master >24m Near Coastal

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A FIXED-TERM (UNTIL 30 JUNE 2030), FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN DENHAM

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT

MIDDAY ON THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2026

Job Description

This position is based at Denham in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area which is home to world-class natural attractions including Francois Peron National Park, Dirk Hartog Island National Park, the Shark Bay Marine Park and the proposed Edel Land National Park.

We are currently seeking a Senior Marine Operations Officer – Return to 1616 Project to join our team.

Provides advice to the Project Manager and liaises with Biodiversity and Conservation Science and Gascoyne District staff to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the Return to 1616 Project.

Under the general direction of the Project Manager

• Operates the project barge MV Wirruwana in the capacity of Master.
• Oversees repairs and maintenance works to MV Wirruwana (this may require travel to either Perth, Geraldton, Dongara or Carnarvon).
• Organises and implements logistical and operational activities using MV Wirruwana, including but not limited to transporting personnel, vehicles, machinery and other equipment between the mainland and Dirk Hartog Island.
• Assists the Return to 1616 L3 Operations Officer with works on Dirk Hartog Island.

At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following three (3) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than two (2) pages in total.

• Marine Engine Drivers (MED) II (Near Coastal) qualification and sound knowledge of and experience in the maintenance and repair of a vessel requiring this qualification.
• Master >24m (Near Coastal) qualification and sound knowledge of operating a vessel requiring this qualification.
• Sound knowledge and proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently; showing a high level of self-motivation and skills in organising works.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 5 days North West Leave per year.
• District Allowance.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

contact Karl Brennan on [phone] (Monday to Thursday) or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility

It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status or a valid working visa to be appointed to this role.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail]. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.