Overview
Vessel Master Jobs in Townsville, Queensland, Australia at Queensland Government
Title: Vessel Master
Company: Queensland Government
Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Picture yourself navigating a vessel through vast waters of the Great Barrier Reef, waking to sunrise over remote islands & coral cays, anchoring at islands few rarely visit, work with researchers, Traditional Owners, rangers & other government partners to protect a the globally significant Great Barrer Reef World Heritage Area. If that excites you, then the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) wants you!
We are seeking TWO outstanding Vessel Master’s to join our marine operations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This role is far from ordinary. You will be master and/or engineer of vessels up to 24 metres, operating across remote offshore reefs and islands. If you are someone who thrives on challenge, who owns your nautical skillset, and wants to make a tangible difference in conservation while leading critical field operations — this is your opportunity
Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks (GBR&MP) Region are excited to share an incredible opportunity for TWO Vessel Master's, OO5 to join the team on a 1 x Permanent & 1 x Temporary basis until 31/12/2026, with possibility of further extension.
As one of the six regions of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the GBR&MP Region delivers conservation and management activities across land and sea including implementing the Reef Joint Field Management Program in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Additionally, the Region oversees the state's southern marine parks – Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park.
The role as a QPWS Vessel Master is diverse and requires the successful candidate to operate and maintain a range of departmental vessels ranging in size up to 24m throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The primary responsibility of a Vessel Master – Townsville is to undertake the role of either the Master and and/or Engineer during vessel deployments onboard the 21 m High Speed Landing Barge – Island Guardian (Townsville). Vessel Masters require broad engineering knowledge and experience in remote area operation on vessels of similar in size i.e. 17- 24 meters is highly regarded. Ensuring departmental vessels remain safe and meets to exceed service delivery expectations and AMSA Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) legislative requirements.
Whether acting as Master or Engineer, your responsibilities will be crucial in supporting marine park compliance, environmental monitoring, research and emergency response activities across the reef. Your vessel crew may include park rangers, Traditional Owners, scientists, government partners and contractors — and your leadership will directly influence the success and safety of each voyage.
Role Focus
- Operate as Master and/or Engineer on large departmental vessels (17-24m), ensuring safe and efficient operations during extended patrols across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
- Lead and coordinate vessel maintenance (routine and non-routine) across both large and small fleets (6-24m), including RHIBs and barges.
- Ensure full compliance with maritime legislation, safety protocols, and incident reporting requirements, while fostering a respectful and cohesive onboard environment.
- Mentor and support crew in safe vessel operations, assist with voyage planning, provisioning and contribute to patrol logistics and training initiatives.
- Participate in environmental incident responses and assist with non-vessel conservation work on island protected areas, including coral bleaching events, vessel grounding, oil spills etc.
This position requires regular travel away from home. Vessel deployments are typically between 7-10 days however could extend as long as 12 days depending on operational requirements and area of operation. These positions will be involved in large vessel deployments at sea for up to an estimated total of 130 days annually and can occur anywhere within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will be to remote offshore reefs and islands. **Experience on similar sized vessels to “Island Guardian” (21m) is highly desirable.
To be considered you must hold the following mandatory qualifications:
AMSA Master <24m NC (Master Class V) Certificate of Competency.
To Apply
Lodge an application online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au that consists of the following:
- Your current resume of no more than 3 pages.
- A short 1 page statement that briefly describes why you are the best suited person.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/687269/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 14 May 2026
Occupational group Primary Industry & Environment
