Assistant Director, Maritime Capabilities

Description:

Who we are
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is part of the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. As primary agency for Australia's Antarctic Program (AAP), the AAD is responsible for achieving the Australian Government's Antarctic goals. These goals are to:

• maintain the Antarctic Treaty System and enhance Australia's influence within it,
• protect the Antarctic environment,
• understand the role of Antarctica in the global climate system,
• undertake scientific work of practical, economic and national significance.

The AAD also has responsibility for administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
Antarctic Operations and Logistics Branch plan, coordinate, facilitate and deliver operations for the Australian Antarctic Program by safely resupplying and sustaining the Antarctic Stations and building operational capacity to deliver future Antarctic projects.
The Maritime Logistics Section is a key element of the branch and is responsible for the effective delivery of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic maritime operations, including marine science activities, within the Australian Antarctic Program. Primarily this relates to operational planning and management of Australia's icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, but will also include other vessels the AAD may charter along with the management and operationalisation of the AAD domestic commercial vessel fleet and any capabilities and interfaces used in support of the AADs maritime operations.
Key functions of the Maritime Logistics Section include:

• the provision of all shipping and domestic commercial vessel capabilities for operations in the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean,
• the planning, management and execution of voyages to deliver program outcomes as defined in each seasonal plan,
• the recruitment, training and deployment of specialist voyage management, voyage support and watercraft operator personnel,
• the execution of responsibilities as vessel owners, of the AAD's commercial vessel fleet, including science workboats, IRBs/RIBs, jet barges, amphibious vessels,
• oversight of all vessel operations of the RSV Nuyina and the AAD's commercial vessel fleet,
• lifecycle maintenance activities for the AAD's commercial vessel fleet,
• management of any AAD maritime support capabilities that integrate with RSV Nuyina,
• operational management of any other vessels the AAD may charter or operate.

The key duties of the position include
The Job

• Provide leadership, direction and support to the Maritime Capabilities Team by fostering a strong culture of safety, inclusion, equity and flexibility.
• Manage individual performance, assess behaviour and work competency, and provide regular and constructive feedback, counselling and reporting.
• Management of the AAD's domestic commercial vessel fleet, including:
  • compliance of the AAD's domestic commercial vessel fleet in accordance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements,
  • review of AAD vessel operating instructions and vessel specific safety management systems, including identifying and implementing any required changes,
  • the planning, implementation and administration of small vessel (watercraft) operations, including liaison with internal stakeholders, external agencies and contractors,
  • whole of life vessel maintenance programs relating to the AAD's domestic commercial vessel fleet, including the management of planned and unplanned maintenance, inventory and spare parts as well as the associated services needed to maintain the AAD's domestic commercial vessel fleet,
  • operational management of small vessel operations, regulatory inspections and operational deployment, including systems checks, verification and sea trials,
  • recruitment, briefing and training programs for the personnel engaged to operate the AAD's domestic commercial vessel fleet.
• Manage the integration of AAD assets and systems that interface with RSV Nuyina in support of the AAD's annual shipping program.
• Manage the procurement requirements and processes of the Maritime Capabilities Team, including approaches to market, in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPR's) and ongoing contract/contractor management.
• Manage the Maritime Capabilities Team's budget and financial processing, including operational and capital expenditure programs, both current and forecast, in line with the Department's strategic directions.
• Manage the gathering and analysing of information from diverse sources to develop, review and update key operational documentation which includes Safety Management Systems (SMS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Risk Assessments, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), business continuity plans and training manuals.
• Ensure appropriate physical and electronic records management standards are adhered to by the Maritime Assets Team.
• Lead the delivery of voyage management and watercraft operator briefing and training programs in relation to domestic commercial vessel operations and vessel interface systems.
• Implement Government policies on behalf of the AAD with direction from the Director, Maritime Logistics.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

• Highly developed communication skills, including effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills that conveys complex matters in unambiguous and persuasive language and builds collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise relevant to domestic commercial vessel operations, legislation, policies and reporting frameworks, with the ability to apply this knowledge to develop and manage associated plans, documents and processes.
• Proven experience in procurement, financial management and records management.
• Proven ability to successfully manage, implement and/or support a diverse range of policies, programs and projects.

Skills and capabilities

• Proven ability to be accepted and respected as a leader that maintains productive, diverse and inclusive operational teams.
• Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively and liaise extensively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. This includes demonstrated commercial acumen and high-level negotiation skills to optimise cost of ownership and balance value, compliance, efficiency, risk and service levels.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing and interpreting procedural, regulatory and legislative documentation to facilitate providing advice to senior management, along with the production of procedural documentation and training programs.
• Proven whole of life asset and/or fleet management experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to modern WH&S and environmental management principles and practices.

Please note that the successful applicant may be required to travel to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions therefore they may be required to meet specific medical, adaptability and personal qualities requirements appropriate to working in those environments. In order to undertake travel to the Antarctic & sub-Antarctic regions they will need to:

• demonstrate the range of personal qualities and interpersonal skills necessary to perform as a successful team member within isolated Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments,
• demonstrate an ability to effectively adapt and respond to the demands of living and working in an isolated and confined environment as determined by a psychological (adaptability) assessment,
• be certified as fit for Antarctic service by the AAD's Polar Medicine Unit.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Relevant qualification/s from an Australian tertiary institution and/or demonstrated industry and leadership experience.