"Boating, Diving and Research Operations Support Officer (Science)"

About this Opportunity

• Continuing, Full-Time
• School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences – CMERC
• CQUniversity Gladstone
• Support Research Worker Level 6
• Total Remuneration $110,541 to $119,053 pa (including salary of $93,409 to $100,602 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading)

Join an organisation with an unbreakable belief that quality education, training and research should be available to everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Working at CQUniversity

A unique opportunity has become available to support marine research at CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (CMERC), located on the Gladstone Marina. CMERC is dedicated to undertaking research that collaborates with nature to build a sustainable future for our coastal ecosystems and communities.

In this varied role, you will provide high-level technical expertise and operational leadership across marine and field-based research operations, with a strong focus on safety, compliance and research support.

In this role, you will:

• Plan, coordinate and oversee boating, snorkelling and scientific diving operations.
• Be the Diving Officer, supervising all snorkelling and diving activities and managing diving equipment in line with legislation, Australian Standards and CQU’s Diving and Snorkelling Operations Manual and Safety Management Framework.
• Be the Boating Officer and Chief Vessel Master, overseeing the safe operation of CQUniversity’s research vessel fleet, supervising vessel masters, and ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety requirements, AMSA, Marine Orders and boating safety management systems.
• Support field-based research through sample collection, preparation and processing using standard protocols.
• Manage specialised equipment and resources and contribute to policy development, risk assessments and inductions.

This is your chance to join a dynamic team and contribute to meaningful research outcomes in a unique coastal environment.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 6 weeks annual leave (incl. Christmas and New Year closure)
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• Extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical fields; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training.
• Current Open (C class) Drivers’ Licence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation, including Queensland WHS requirements for occupational diving, relevant Codes of Practice and Australian Standards applicable to scientific diving, including AS/NZS 2299.2.
• A current AMSA Certificate of Competency as Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (or higher), with experience overseeing safe vessel operations.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in scientific diving operations, with certification in accordance with AS/NZS 2815.6:2013 or AS/NZS 2815.1:2021, and Dive Supervisor certification in accordance with AS/NZS 2815.5:2013.
• Current First Aid, CPR and Oxygen First Aid certification.
• The ability to work autonomously or as part of a small team, prioritising work to meet operational deadlines with minimal supervision.

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Please note, CQUniversity will be closed from Thursday, 25 December 2025, and will reopen Monday, 5 January 2026. For any vacancy-related questions or technical issues experienced during this time, please email the contact person listed below, and they will respond to you upon their return in the New Year. We wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season.

Job Requisition ID: 6823

Internal Position Title: Boating, Diving and Research Operations Support Officer (Science)

Contact Details:

Barbie Keller

(07) 4970 7314

b.keller@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.