Dredge Master

• Superior employee benefits
• Help shape the future of the Newcastle landscape, economy and community
• Newcastle lifestyle and career with the largest port on Australia’s East Coast

About Port of Newcastle:

Port of Newcastle is more than a port. It exists to build Australia’s prosperity with responsible, integrated and innovative supply chain solutions.

With trade worth approximately $71 billion to the national economy each year, Port of Newcastle enables Australian businesses to successfully compete in international markets.

The port currently handles 4,697 ship movements and 166 million tonnes of cargo annually. With a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50% of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national rail and road infrastructure, Port of Newcastle is positioned to further underpin the future prosperity of the Hunter, NSW and Australia.

As custodians of the region’s critical asset, Port of Newcastle is diversifying its trade as it strives to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible future.

Behind every ship movement, every tonne of cargo, are the people that keep the port operating. Our people are the engine room of our port. Port of Newcastle’s values influence how we develop our strategy, how we measure performance, how we treat our colleagues and how we approach our work at PON.

The Opportunity:

This is a rare and unique opportunity to become a Dredge Master of Port of Newcastle’s Harbour dredging vessel, the David Allan.

The Dredge Master commands the split hopper trailer suction dredge. As a key member of the dredge’s crew, it provides the overriding authority and accountability for the dredge’s safe, efficient and effective operation. The role is responsible for safely navigating the dredge around the port and to any other port as necessary, and requires a high level of leadership and communication skills.

This role reports to and consults with the Dredging Manager to coordinate vessel maintenance and repairs. It also interacts with survey staff and shore personnel regarding the dredging program in order to plan, assess, allocate and execute dredging work to maximise production. You will be accountable for ensuring the competence and development of your crew, as well as ensuring that compliance requirements are met.

What you will bring:

To secure this role, you will have demonstrated ship handling knowledge and abilities, particularly in confined waters.

It is essential that you possess and can maintain:

• AMSA Master <100m NC certificate or higher,
• Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency

You must also have the ability to obtain PANSW Certificate of Local Knowledge for the Port of Newcastle.

Your well-developed interpersonal, written and oral communication skills will be highly regarded. Your ability to use corporate IT systems and technologies will be well utilised, along with your effectiveness in crew management and ensuring compliance with all relevant training, policies and procedures.

What We Offer:

Port of Newcastle provides many benefits for our valued employees, a few of which are:

• Competitive salary under Port of Newcastle Enterprise Agreement
• Focus on professional growth
• 26 week paid Parental Leave for primary carers
• Optional workplace giving program – supporting employees in giving back to the Newcastle community
• Work180 endorsement – PON is recognised as a top 101 employer for women in 2024
• Opportunity to be involved in the development of PON’s Reconciliation Action Plan (Innovate stage)

How to Apply:

Introduce yourself by submitting your cover letter and resume, outlining your relevant experience, qualifications and why you would like to join our team.

The Port of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment for all employees. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged.

Port of Newcastle acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Newcastle Harbour, the Awabakal and Worimi People, and pays respect to all Elders past, present and emerging.