Marine Pilot Trainee

• Join our dynamic and rapidly expanding team as we embark on an exciting journey of organisational growth and innovation, working towards our vision of becoming Australia's Port for the Future.
• Work on meaningful initiatives that will help create prosperity for the North Queensland's communities.
• Enjoy an environment that provides attractive benefits including flexibility, true work-life balance and generous opportunities for professional development.

About The Port
The Port of Townsville Limited (the Port) has been actively shaping the future of Townsville and North Queensland for 160 years.

Today, we are Australia's largest port for zinc, lead, copper, sugar and fertiliser. Additionally, we handle more motor vehicles and containerised goods than any other port in Northern Australia. The goods that flow through our ports are grown, mined, manufactured and used to better the lives of more than 800,000 people across a vast catchment area, spanning from Hinchinbrook to the Burdekin and west to Mount Isa.

On average, more than 8 million tonnes of goods, worth more than $10 billion, cross our wharves each year. Thanks to our customers, we are one of the country's most diverse ports, linking more than 30 different commodities to 130 ports in 44 countries.

The Townsville port is also an increasingly strategic forward mounting location in Australia's Defence capabilities, as well as an important tourism enabler due to its modern dedicated cruise ship terminal.

Working with us
The Port of Townsville is expanding its team of passionate and innovative professionals as we undergo a period of significant and sustainable growth.

We are currently undertaking the biggest port expansion in our history, trade volumes are expected to triple by 2050 as new projects in rare earth, critical minerals and renewable energy come to realisation and demand for Defence and cruise shipping capacity is rapidly increasing.

In the coming years we will be challenged to continue to deliver highly competitive day to day port operations, drive improvements in sustainability across all areas of the business and deliver major capital works projects that will ensure our capacity to facilitate the trade demands of the future.

We are currently looking for exceptional talent to join our team as we embark on this journey. Are you a proactive and ambitious individual with a passion for making a real impact? This is your chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued.

The Port provides a supportive workplace culture that is committed to improving diversity and fostering inclusivity. With a strong focus on nurturing growth and continuous learning, you'll have the resources and guidance to excel in your role and beyond.

About The Role And You
Reporting to the Manager Pilotage Services the primary function of a Marine Pilot is to conduct safe and efficient pilotage of vessels in the region's ports through the direct application of a high level of ship handling skill, local port knowledge and general maritime expertise.

Regardless of previous experience, all new Marine Pilots commence at a trainee level as extensive port specific training and licenses are required to attain an unrestricted pilot licence. Upon successful completion of this training and certification, the trainee will progress to the level of Marine Pilot with unrestricted pilotage responsibilities in accordance with the enterprise agreement.

Experience You'll Need
To be successful in the role, you will be required to:

• Obtain and maintain unrestricted pilot licenses for the regions ports
• Conduct safe and efficient port pilotage as required by the roster
• Perform the duties of a pilot to meet the operational demands during periods of pilot shortage as requested by the Manager Pilot subject to fatigue
• Liaise with the Manager Pilot on pilotage issues to establish effective feedback and consultation processes within the Pilots business unit to deliver a safe, effective and efficient pilotage service
• Undertake pilot and safety training to maintain Pilot license, Area endorsements and other relevant Pilotage skills as required by the Regulator and the Port of Townsville Limited (the Port)
• Liaise with ships' masters, operators, agents, port authorities, regulatory bodies and providers of marine safety services concerning shipping in the regions ports
• Utilise computer technology as it relates to the effective delivery of pilotage services
• Complete appropriate documentation and logs in a timely and approved manner
• Provide training to other pilots and masters seeking exemption as required
• Participate in port emergency responses and associated training as directed to assist with successful restoration of the Port back to an operating capacity in the event of an emergency

For a more comprehensive understanding of the position's requirements, please refer to the Position Description available on our website.

Application process

• Click apply and follow the prompts
• Attach your current resume and a cover letter to your application
• Applications close 11pm Sunday, 21 September2025

For enquiries, please contact - , noting that applications must be submitted via our recruitment site - email applications will not be accepted.

At the Port of Townsville, we value and celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that it enriches our workplace. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to come forward, confident that you will be met with respect and consideration. We are committed to ensuring our working environment is safe and welcoming.

If you are an applicant who faces challenges due to cultural barriers or disabilities, please know that we are here to support you throughout the application process. We strive to create a welcoming and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates, and we encourage you to approach us if you require any assistance or accommodations.

Together, let's build a workforce that thrives on inclusivity and embraces the strengths that everyone brings to our team.

Attachments

• Position Description - Marine Pilot