WHS Advisor

Downer; North Canberra; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Professional development

Great perks

Veteran support

Job summary

Downer Professional Services in Australia is seeking an experienced WHS Advisor to strengthen workplace health and safety across a Defence environment. You will develop policies, provide practical advice, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve risk controls.

You’ll oversee incident response, hazard identification, risk assessments, and training programs while ensuring compliance with Australian WHS laws and Defence requirements, holding your AGSVA clearance where

Qualifications

• Experience in WHS advisory roles within complex environments.
• Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience implementing WHS policies, procedures and training programs.
• Ability to translate legislation into practical risk-management strategies.
• Experience in Defence and/or CASG environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update WHS policies, procedures and supporting documentation.
• Provide practical WHS advice and incident management.
• Oversee hazard identification, risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Coordinate safety training programs and reporting.
• Represent SDACSPO at WHS forums and drive actions through to completion.
• Monitor regulatory changes and continuously improve WHS systems and practices.

Skills

WHS advisory

Legislation knowledge

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Defence/CASG experience

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree in WHS or Risk Management

Job description

Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia's future.

Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer, which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence. Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced WHS Advisor to support Space SPO in a hands‑on role focused on strengthening workplace health and safety practices across a complex Defence environment.

Working closely with internal stakeholders, contractors and subject matter experts, you will provide trusted WHS advice, enhance safety documentation and systems, oversee incident and risk management activities, and help ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and Defence requirements.

This role would suit someone who can work independently, confidently interpret legislation and policy, and engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders on complex or sensitive WHS matters.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will develop and enhance WHS policies, procedures and supporting documentation, while providing practical advice on Australian WHS legislation and relevant Defence requirements. You will work collaboratively with contractors to verify compliance with their WHS obligations and oversee key safety activities, including incident response, hazard identification, risk assessments and corrective actions, helping to strengthen WHS practices across the organisation.

• Develop WHS reports, presentations and training programs.
• Provide practical advice and solutions to complex WHS issues, identifying alternative courses of action where required.
• Represent SDACSPO at WHS forums and coordinate resulting actions through to completion.
• Monitor regulatory and policy changes and support the ongoing improvement of WHS systems and practices

What You’ll Bring

You’ll bring previous experience in a WHS advisory role, with a strong understanding of Australian WHS legislation and the ability to apply WHS requirements in a practical, complex working environment. You’ll be confident working with a range of internal and external stakeholders and supporting effective safety and risk management practices.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience in a WHS advisory or similar safety-focused role, including experience developing and implementing WHS policies, procedures and training programs.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated application of Australian WHS legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing or supporting WHS management systems and verifying compliance.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and managing safety information, hazards and risks across a complex organisation.
• Ability to interpret changes to legislation and regulatory frameworks and translate them into practical risk-management strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across internal teams, external stakeholders and contractors, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate WHS legislation, policies and requirements.
• Previous exposure to Defence and/or CASG WHS environments will be highly regarded.
• Tertiary qualifications or relevant training in Work Health and Safety, Risk Management, Process Safety or a related discipline will be viewed favourably.

Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain an AGSVA Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement.

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer Professional Services

At Downer Professional Services, we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country's only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia's interests.

What is means to belong at Downer Professional Services

• Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future.
• Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice.
• Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Perks@Downer.
• Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences.

We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we're here to help you put your best foot forward.