WRL Field Operations Specialist

AusNet connects renewable energy sources with local communities, playing a key role in the clean energy transition and providing essential energy to every Victorian family. Help us lead the way, while enriching your career with real people who encourage you to bring your best and make real impact – for your career, our communities, and Australia's cleaner energy future.

The Western Renewables Link Project (WRL) is the largest transmission build of its kind in more than three decades. WRL is a critical piece of transmission infrastructure required to deliver energy from wind and solar farms in western Victoria to homes across the state and to the National Electricity Market.

This role is based in Ballarat (with some work out of Melbourne and Keilor) and is part of the WRL project which spans from Sydenham in western metropolitan Melbourne to Bulgana located between Stawell and Ararat in western Victoria. Routine travel to regional western Victoria is a requirement, including occasional overnight and weekend stays.

• As a Field Operations Specialist, you will be part of the Delivery & Operations team within WRL and report directly to the Field Operations and Security Lead. You will be responsible for the safe delivery of all out-of-office activities on the WRL project including pre-construction surveys, roadside works, community engagements and stakeholder meetings. This will be achieved through both administrative and operational support including completing office and field-based security risk assessments, logistical planning, supervision and incident management.
• Serve as the WRL site lead for field activities, ensuring works are conducted safely and in accordance with AusNet policies and procedures, site access requirements including biosecurity. Lead briefing of work parties and coordinate on-site support resources including contracted security and traffic control staff, as well as incident/emergency response and reporting.
• Participate in or lead land access under statutory powers, ensuring compliance with the ESC Land Access Code of Practice and completion of required field work without harm to work parties.
• Contribute to pre-event/activity risk assessment, planning and logistics for all out-of-office activities across all teams within the project.
• Provide on-site risk assessment/management and logistics support for community engagement events and stakeholder meetings, and respond to incidents or threats as needed.
• Provide SME advice on security and risk management across project streams and improve security and risk awareness.
• Enter information into incident reporting, intelligence and mapping systems on behalf of the project.
• Act as a brand steward for AusNet and the WRL project in the community, de-escalate and manage incidents.
• Engage professionally with all stakeholders and delivery partners to strengthen trust and confidence in the project.
• Work closely with Registered Aboriginal Parties to build respectful relationships with Traditional Owners.
• Apply a best-for-project and Zero Harm approach to all critical and strategic thinking.

• Risk Management/Community Safety/Law Enforcement background (minimum 5 years)
• Cert IV or higher qualifications in security risk management, investigations or similar (preferred)
• Current First Aid and CPR qualifications and a full, unrestricted driver's license
• Operational experience leading, supervising or coordinating in-field teams including incident management
• Proven ability to develop, maintain and strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Experience working or living in rural, regional or agricultural communities (desirable)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Apple iOS systems, including mobile reporting and map systems, as well as Power BI and Excel data systems
• Excellent communication skills with training in operational-based conflict de-escalation or negotiation and high personal resilience
• Experience operating security equipment such as two-way radios and Body Worn Cameras (preferred)
• Experience in construction and/or farming environments with knowledge of industry safety and biosecurity requirements (bonus)
• Experience contributing to policies, procedures, intelligence and incident reports, risk assessments, and frontline/executive briefings

A real place to belong

We celebrate unique voices, refreshing perspectives and diversity in our team. Engage and connect through our social club, family day, a wide range of events or by joining one of our Employee Network Groups.

We believe in more than just competitive pay. Here's what sets us apart:

• Flexibility: hybrid work, flexible hours, or part-time arrangements to help balance work and life.
• Leave: more than typical personal leave and a generous 14 weeks of paid parental leave, with no minimum service.
• Community giving: a paid day to volunteer with our social impact partner, Foodbank, or for a cause that matters to you.
• Perks: purchased leave, income protection insurance, novated leasing, corporate discounts, private health cover discounts and more.

As an industry in transformation, we're excited by the possibilities ahead. If you're passionate about our purpose and committed to making real progress, bring your energy and join AusNet. Together, we can shape a new way forward.