Drive Change, Protect Communities 

The Maritime Directorate oversees Western Australia’s coastline and navigable waters, ensuring their safe, sustainable use and ongoing development. Its responsibilities include coastal planning, oceanographic data collection, and the design, delivery, and management of maritime infrastructure and facilities. It also manages maritime emergencies and performs Harbour Master functions across the State. The Directorate collaborates with government, industry, and community stakeholders to balance competing demands. It supports staff development through training and project involvement, fostering a flexible, collaborative, and supportive work environment focused on enhancing and protecting the WA coast and waterways. It promotes innovation, resilience, and effective long-term maritime management outcomes.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and operational leader to drive the performance and delivery of port operations across Western Australia.

As Manager Port Operations, your efforts will ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of State ports. You will oversee key functions including pilotage, port access, marine safety planning, and incident response, while building strong relationships with Port Authorities, operators, and stakeholders. This role requires a solutions-focused leader who can manage resources, mitigate risk, and provide expert advice, contributing to the safe and sustainable use of navigable waters and aligning operational outcomes with DTMI’s broader objectives.

There is currently 1 permanent position available for immediate filling.

For further information about the role, we encourage you to review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) and contact Peter Dwyer, Director Maritime Environmental Emergencies Response (MEER) & Ports on 0438 490 226 or Peter.Dwyer@transport.wa.gov.au

The successful applicant or applicants assessed as suitable through this process may receive further offers of employment (fixed term or permanent) in this or similar roles for a period of twelve (12) months from the end of the breach period.

The Ideal Candidate

• An experienced people leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Identifies problems and develops solutions whilst working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Cultivates productive working relationships.
• Produces high level plans, guidance notes and correspondence for a range of stakeholders.
• Has sound knowledge of maritime conventions and arrangements as they pertain to shipping operations and emergencies.
• Can, by the time of contract starting, be living a reasonable distance from Fremantle in case of emergency.
• Willing to travel intra- and interstate as required.

Candidates must hold a minimum of a Master <500 GT Certificate of Competency issued under Marine Order 70 and Marine Order 71 made under the Commonwealth Navigation Act 2012 or a recognised equivalent.

All successful applicants will embody the behaviours and mindsets outlined in the Building Leadership Impact and Leadership Expectations. The leadership context of this position is Leading Others.

Our Offer

• A level of job security that is unmatched by the private sector.
• Generous and flexible leave options including annual, additional public holidays, long service, parental, carer’s, cultural, and purchased leave.
• No hours go unrewarded – accrue penalties and overtime for work completed beyond the standard 37.5-hour week.
• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home for enhanced work life balance.  
• Meaningful work that aligns with your values. Protect WA’s people, coastline and future.
• Discounts on health insurance, gym memberships and more with our corporate partners.

Learn more about our commitment to you, here.  

Applying is easy!

Apply online by clicking the ‘Apply for Job’ button and provide the following documents in Word or PDF format: 

1. A detailed CV that clearly outlines the skills and experiences you have gained in relation to the job description; and
2. A cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the Job Description Form attached.
3. Attach a copy of your Maritime Qualification as per the JDF.

TIP: In addressing selection criteria, please provide actual examples, actions you undertook and outcomes.

Please, nominate two (2) referees who can provide feedback on your capacity to meet the Work-Related Requirements. At least one of the referees should be your most recent, immediate supervisor. 

Applications for this opportunity close 9:00am on Monday, 3 August 2026.

DTMI may conduct further search activities or extend the closing date, if required to supplement the field of applicants. 

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure is committed to building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community. We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form), have any question about the process or how to submit your application, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@transport.wa.gov.au or (08) 6551 6888.