DESGRP Work Health & Safety Officer

The Role

• Lead and assure WHS and environmental compliance across SURFOR, ensuring alignment with Defence policy, ANP 2200, and relevant legislation.
• Undertake research, analysis, and risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate WHS risks impacting operational capability.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve WHS frameworks, including policies, procedures, and safety management systems.
• Provide authoritative WHS advice and guidance to Command Teams, ship personnel, and stakeholders on legislative and Defence policy requirements.
• Monitor WHS performance and incidents, initiating timely investigations and ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
• Plan and conduct audits, evaluations, and assurance activities to verify compliance with WHS legislation, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Lead incident investigations, applying professional judgement to identify root causes and implement sustainable risk controls.
• Engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts to resolve complex WHS issues.
• Confident in writing safety briefs and high-level communication. 
• Coordinate, facilitate and prepare documentation for Group meetings, and contribute to preparation for SURFOR meetings as required.
• Operate effectively both autonomously and as part of Operational Risk Safety Teams to support enterprise safety outcomes.
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement through training, guidance, and the application of best practice in environmental and WHS standards.
• Working under direction of the Group CMR and Occupational Risk Safety Manager.

About our Team

Surface Force provides a working environment that offers you a diverse range of work in a highly technical and safety conscious environment. You will be supported by a close knit team and be encouraged to be innovative and adaptive to changing priorities and events. You will be provided with the training and support necessary to allow you to succeed in this vitally important area of Navy function and operation.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Completion of Cert IV, Diploma or Degree in Work Health and Safety. 
• ICAM Lead Investigator Training.
• Extensive experience in Work Health and Safety and/or Environmental Science working with various stakeholders in a maritime and or high-risk environment. This could consist of working in a compliance role with HAZCHEM, Hazardous Materials, Heritage, Fire Compliance or Environment. 
• A good working knowledge of contemporary WHS risk assessment tools and applications. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a high-level ability to effectively engage stakeholders to achieve strategic outcomes.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers