Senior WHS Specialist

Australian National University; Canberra; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian National University is seeking a Senior WHS Specialist to lead and shape work health and safety and biosafety across the University. This senior role provides expert advice, governance and program development to support risk management and compliance.

Based in Acton, the role collaborates with Colleges, Schools, Portfolios and researchers to enhance safety culture and enable safe operations within teaching, research and business environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape WHS and biosafety across the University.
• Provide high-level advice and develop safety frameworks and programs.
• Collaborate with Colleges, Schools and Portfolios to strengthen safety culture.
• Partner with the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) to align biosafety and risk management.

Job description

Australian National University – Acton ACT

Classification: ANU Officer 8 (Administration)
Salary package: $124,392 - $133,017per annum plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full time, Fixed term (up to 12 months)

In 1946, ANU was founded to help rebuild a changing world. We’re still at it, 80 years later. For generations, our people have turned curiosity into ideas that have shaped Australia and our region. Learn more about ANU, our history and the community that has shaped us: ANU at 80

Position Description and Selection Criteria:PD&PEWER_ANUO8_Senior WHS Specialist.pdf

The Position:

Exciting new opportunity to lead and shape WHS and biosafety at the ANU, as the Senior WHS Specialist, within the Safety & Wellbeing, People and Culture Division.

The Senior WHS Specialist is a senior professional leadership role responsible for providing University-wide expertise, strategic advice and specialist support across complex work health and safety (WHS) risks within research, teaching and operational environments. As the University's recognised subject matter expert in biosafety, this position leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of safety frameworks, systems and programs that enable effective risk management and legislative compliance.

The role provides high-level WHS advisory services across a broad range of complex and emerging safety matters, supporting the University's Work Health and Safety Management System through governance, assurance, risk management, incident investigation, capability development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operating with a high degree of professional independence and judgement, the Senior WHS Specialist collaborates closely with Colleges, Schools, Portfolios, researchers, technical staff and WHS practitioners to strengthen safety outcomes and foster a positive safety culture across the University. While providing University-wide support, the role will primarily partner with the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR).

The Portfolio:

The Services Portfolio supports the University's strategic priorities by delivering critical services, expert advice and enabling infrastructure, underpinned by a strong commitment to service excellence. Within the People and Culture Division, the Safety and Wellbeing (S&W) team, leads the University's approach to health, safety, injury management and workers' compensation. The team is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act), including the management of the University's self-insurance licence. The Safety and Wellbeing: WHS Operations team works collaboratively across the University to create and maintain a workplace that is safe, healthy and inclusive for staff, students, contractors and visitors, while promoting a culture of accountability, wellbeing and continuous improvement.

For further information please contact, Kate McKenzie, WHS Manager, Safety & Wellbeing T: [phone], E: **************@anu.edu.au.

The University actively encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant on ***************@anu.edu.au

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visithttps://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia andwill be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.

Closing Date: Monday 5 October 2026, 11:55pm (AEDT)

Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad .