Voyage Operations Specialist

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Team Leader to support and enable marine science for Australia.

As the Voyages Team Leader, you will be a key contact for vessel users and manage the Marine National Facility's (MNF) Voyages Team to provide services that support the safe and effective operation of research voyages aboard the RV Investigator and other vessels.

You will provide leadership capability for both onshore and seagoing voyage management personnel, including fatigue management and personnel scheduling.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Define the delivery of voyage operational aspects of the Ship Management Program, including implementation of procedures and policies.
• Provide advice to users on vessel capabilities, equipment, technical support requirements, policies, procedures and processes.
• Lead the team to effectively plan complex activities and allocate tasks while encouraging continuous improvement.
• Mentor line managed employees, including planning professional development opportunities.
• Support assessment panels on operational, logistic and capability matters.
• Develop and manage efficient voyage schedules and budget, as well as regular tracking and reporting against budget.
• Ensure the highest practicable utilisation of the Investigator's capacity.
• Direct and oversee the implementation of the MNF Research Schedule throughout the voyage planning process to deliver safe, efficient and successful voyages.
• Lead the Voyages team by managing the achievement of key goals, providing a positive working environment characterised by technical excellence, creativity, innovation and flexibility.
• Support staff development, establish workplace culture and have a focus on Health, Safety and the Environment.
• Be an advocate for Program strategy and goals to staff; identify issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Represent the Program at internal and external forums.
• Participate in occasions as onboard Voyage Manager.
• Direct resources, take calculated risks within tight financial, HR and time constraints.

About Us

We work flexibly, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. Our goal is to solve Australia's greatest challenges by leading Australia's landmark marine and biodiversity infrastructure and carrying out innovative science.

At our business unit, we operate the Marine National Facility, Australia's dedicated ocean research capability on behalf of the nation. From ice edge to equator, the MNF enables world-leading research to increase our understanding of Australia's vast and valuable marine environment.

We are looking for a Team Leader with relevant management experience in maritime operations and/or a marine science role, who can support blue-water research projects onboard a research vessel.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in delivering strategic initiatives in a maritime environment, including identifying and resolving issues and identifying opportunities for improvement.

They will have strong and professional written and verbal communication skills, including well-developed influencing and negotiation skills, the ability to facilitate groups to work towards shared outcomes and influence internal and external stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who has a history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative and diverse team environment.

The Team Leader will also need to have proven ability to implement change by responding flexibly and positively under pressure and uncertainty, and the ability to promote flexibility and resilience amongst direct reports to overcome challenges that arise because of uncertainty.

Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship, learning and development opportunities to direct reports to promote professional growth and address succession is essential.