Drive Change, Connect Communities 

Working for the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) allows you to play a part in connecting the people of Western Australia. We are a progressive organisation.  We are leaders in providing safe, accessible, sustainable, and efficient transport services and solutions that promote economic prosperity and enhance the lifestyles of all Western Australians.

The Opportunity

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Marine Officer (L3) and Senior Marine Officer (L4) Pool.

As a Marine Officer or Senior Marine Officer, you will be on the frontline of maritime safety and compliance, helping to keep Western Australia's waterways safe. You'll enforce marine legislation, educate the public on safe boating practices, and respond to maritime incidents while working across some of the State's most unique marine environments.

No two days are the same. You will undertake patrols and compliance activities using patrol vessels, jet skis and drones, providing the opportunity to work with modern equipment in a dynamic operational environment.

In addition to these responsibilities, Senior Marine Officers lead and mentor operational teams, assess and approve aquatic events, develop compliance and enforcement plans, coordinate vessel maintenance programs, prepare staff rosters, and provide specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders on maritime legislation, compliance and enforcement matters.

This role requires flexibility, with regular shift work including weekends and public holidays. There is also the opportunity to explore a nine-day fortnight arrangement. As part of our regional assistance patrol program, you will also be required to undertake short deployments of approximately 5-10 days in regional locations at least once each year.

Essential Requirements for Marine Officer and Senior Marine Officer

Applicants will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and the ability to make timely, effective decisions in dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environments.
• Experience operating high-powered outboard vessels safely and effectively.
• The ability to maintain vessels, trailers, vehicles and associated equipment to a high standard, ensuring operational readiness.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a small team environment.
• Digital capability, including the ability to learn and utilise new technologies and systems, such as drones and other operational technologies.
• The ability to successfully complete a swim test and meet relevant operational requirements.

Desirable Capabilities for Senior Marine Officer

In addition to the above, applicants seeking appointment at the Senior Marine Officer level will demonstrate:

• Possession of a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certificate (or ability to obtain).
• Experience supervising, mentoring or leading staff within an operational environment.
• Knowledge of, and the ability to interpret and apply, marine safety legislation, compliance frameworks and enforcement processes.
• Experience undertaking compliance, investigation and prosecution activities, with the ability to provide guidance and support to Marine Officers on compliance-related matters.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the recreational boating and commercial vessel sectors, including the application of relevant marine safety legislation.
• Practical working knowledge of small commercial vessels, trailers, outboard motors and associated equipment, including maintenance requirements and vessel design considerations.

For further information about the role, we encourage you to review the attached Job Description Form (JDF) Marine Officer Booklet or contact Michael Stoten at Michael.Stoten@transport.wa.gov.au.

There are currently vacant positions across the metro area including Fremantle, Hillarys and Mandurah.

Suitable applicants will be placed in a pool from which appointments will be made for this or similar future vacancies (fixed term or permanent) that arise within the next 12 months from date of first appointment across the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. 

About you

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to compliance and safety.
• Thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy working outdoors and on the water.
• Cultivate strong, productive working relationships and partnerships.
• Possess excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate and maintain high-speed vessels with confidence.
• Hold or be close to obtaining a Coxswain Grade 1 Certificate of Competency or equivalent.

We believe everyone at the DTMI is a leader, contributing to our impactful work for the sector and community. We expect all employees to embody the behaviours and mindsets outlined in the Building Leadership Impact and Leadership Expectations. The leadership context of this position is Personal Leadership.

Our Offer

• The ability to accrue penalties and overtime on top of a competitive salary, 12% employer contributed superannuation with salary sacrifice options. 
• 4 weeks’ annual leave, 3 public service holidays and long service leave every 7 years.
• A varied and exciting role.Training to set you up for success.
• Support from your manager and team.
• Work for an innovative Government agency with limitless long-term career prospects. 

We invite you to Be Part of Something REAL. At DTMI, we value real connection, growth, wellbeing, and purpose. We are deeply embedded in our community, fostering an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and empowered. Our modern work environment supports continuous learning and development, making a significant impact on Western Australia's prosperity. We prioritise employee wellbeing and collaborate with the community to create a thriving, connected state. Learn more about our commitment to you, here.  

Apply Now!

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

• A detailed CV outlining your skills, qualifications and experience relevant to the role(s).
• A copy of your Marine Certificate of Competency (Coxswain Grade 1), where applicable.
• A copy of your current, valid Western Australian 'C' Class Driver's Licence.
• A cover letter addressing the relevant questions below.

Option 1: Applying for Marine Officer Only

Please provide a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing the following:

1. Outline your experience operating high-speed vessels and any experience you have in vessel maintenance.
2. Describe a time when you had to rapidly make sound decisions in a high-pressure situation. What was the outcome, and what would you do differently next time?
3. Describe a situation where you worked closely with a small team to achieve an outcome under pressure. What challenges did the team face, and how did you contribute to the result?

Option 2: Applying for Senior Marine Officer, or Both Positions

Please provide a cover letter of no more than three (3) pages addressing the following:

1. Outline your experience operating high-powered vessels and maintaining them on a regular basis. Professional, volunteer and/or recreational experience is acceptable.
2. Describe a time when you had to rapidly make sound decisions in a high-pressure situation. What was the outcome, and what would you do differently next time?
3. Describe a situation where you worked closely with a small team to achieve an outcome under pressure. What challenges did the team face, and how did you contribute to the result?
4. Describe your experience with compliance activities, prosecution briefs and evidence handling.
5. Describe your experience supervising a team, including a specific challenge you have faced in a supervisory role and how you addressed it.

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 at 3pm on Wednesday 9th December 2026. Please ensure your application is submitted on time, as late applications will not be accepted. 

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