Senior Safety Specialist

• Excellent salary + 17% Super, plus many more company benefits.
• Australia wide
• An opportunity to make a difference within our leading research and education field.

About AARNet  

Australia's Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education. 

As Australia's National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users — researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums — across Australia. 

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don't settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, why not come and join us? 

Role Purpose 

To support this mission, we are seeking an experienced Senior Safety Specialist to champion AARNet's Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) framework. Reporting to the Director, Risk, Strategy and Legal, this newly created role will proactively support the health, safety, and well-being of employees, contractors, and visitors across AARNet's operations. 

You will play a key role in providing WHS support and advice to both internal and external stakeholders, driving continuous improvement, and embedding a strong safety culture across the organisation. The position is expected to be split evenly between field-based activities and office-based responsibilities, offering a dynamic and balanced working environment. 

A significant portion of this role involves field-based safety work, providing hands-on support across active project sites. You will conduct site inspections, engage directly with business-wide operational teams, and ensure that safety procedures are effectively implemented in real-world conditions. This includes verifying critical controls, facilitating toolbox talks, supporting incident investigations, and identifying practical improvements to site safety practices. Your presence on-sites will be key to fostering a proactive safety culture and ensuring compliance with WHS standards at the ground level. 

Key Responsibilities 

Safety Oversight 

• Implement and maintain WHS policies, standards, and procedures. 
• Collaborate with front-line teams to develop practical safety procedures aligned with real-world work practices. 
• Analyse WHS data to support management decision-making and contribute to audit processes. 
• Support enterprise-wide operations with WHS tools such as Risk Assessments and Critical Control Verification. 
• Facilitate WHS training and provide guidance to local WHS committees. 
• Advise on process hazards, risk ratings, Safe Work Procedures, and Job Safety Environment Analysis. 
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety legislation and standards. 
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify and address risks. 

Training and Education 

• Design and oversee safety training programs tailored to operational needs. 
• Promote safety awareness through ongoing education and resources. 
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure all personnel are current with required certifications. 

Incident Management (ICAM is strongly preferred) 

• Lead investigations into safety incidents and near-misses. 
• Prepare detailed reports and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 
• Maintain comprehensive records of incidents and safety-related activities. 

Risk Assessment 

• Conduct thorough risk assessments and hazard analyses. 
• Implement mitigation strategies for identified risks. 
• Continuously monitor and review risk management processes. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Stay abreast of evolving safety regulations and industry best practices (eg, Psychosocial compliance) 
• Identify and implement opportunities for improvement in safety systems and procedures. 
• Lead initiatives to strengthen the safety culture within business 

 Key Skills  

• Safety Leadership – Proven ability to lead and influence safety culture across diverse teams. 
• Risk Management – Strong analytical skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. 
• Incident Investigation – Skilled in ICAM methodology and root cause analysis. 
• Regulatory Knowledge – Deep understanding of WHS legislation and compliance requirements. 
• Training & Facilitation – Experience designing and delivering effective safety training programs. 
• Audit & Assurance – Competence in conducting safety audits and implementing corrective actions. 
• Communication – Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging stakeholders. 
• Problem Solving – Proactive and solutions-focused approach to safety challenges. 

 Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, Environmental Science, or a related discipline (preferred). 
• Certificate V in Safety Management (required). 
• 3–5 years of experience in a safety-focused role, ideally within construction or infrastructure development. 
• ICAM qualifications (or willingness to obtain). 
• Strong understanding of WHS legislation and regulatory requirements. 
• Experience in conducting external audits and delivering safety assurance. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams. 

 Working Conditions 

• Regular travel to project sites will be required 
• 50% office based, 50% field 
• Flexibility to work in both office and field environments.