Operations Support Officer - COTS Control Program

We are seeking a professional with operational work experience in the maritime industry to join our team, supporting the delivery of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program.

This position is critical to maintaining and improving operational standards and data quality across the COTS Control Program’s contracted vessel fleet. The role conducts regular on-water audits of contracted operators to ensure operational and data collection standards are maintained at a high level. The position is a key liaison between the Reef Authority and our service providers, supporting quality assurance and compliance across all aspects of Program delivery.

What you'll do

• Plan, conduct and report on routine on-water site visits to COTS Control Program contractor vessels, including quality assurance checks of in-water operational procedures and in-field data collection activities.
• Work with the Manager - Diving Operations to review contractor WHS frameworks and documentation to ensure adequacy, compliance and currency.
• Manage and quality control COTS Control Program voyage data to support operational planning, reporting and integration into the Reef Authority's information systems.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with contracted service providers, stakeholders and First Nations peoples on matters relevant to the COTS Control Program.
• Contribute to the development and review of Program manuals, guidelines and reports, and collaborate across the Reef Interventions section on cross-sectional projects and emerging issues.

What you'll bring

• You are a natural problem solver, a doer and are known for seeing things through to completion.
• You are well-organised, exercise excellent judgment and have an eye for detail.
• You have WHS experience and an understanding of quality assurance in a maritime related industry.
• You are experienced in building and maintaining relationships with contractors and stakeholders.
• You thrive under pressure and responsibly manage competing priorities.
• You are resilient and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Alice White, Assistant Director, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program Management, Ph. 0459257***

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Essential Requirements

• Dive Master or ADAS Part 1 Diver (or training to AS/NZS 2815.1) qualification or equivalent and ability to maintain training requirements as per AS/NZS 2299.1:2015 Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice.
• Have and maintain a current Australian driver’s licence. 
• Be able to travel, sometimes at short notice, and work weekends and outside core hours when required. 

To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.

The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. 

The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.

How to apply 

The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.

While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. 

Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.

Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

1. how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
2. any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
3. how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.

When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.

Please complete your application online and provide:

• your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
• proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
• a current curriculum vitae (resume)

PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.

Notes

• The current position is non-ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
• We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.  For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility 

Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to: 

• Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999. 
• Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level. 
• Evidence of citizenship status. 
• Evidence of qualifications required of the role. 
• Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority. 
• The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.