Senior Port Hydrographer: Navigation & DUKC Lead

Fremantle Ports; Fremantle; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

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 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.