Job Description

Join a dynamic, expanding business making waves in maritime sustainment.

Who we are

NORSTA Northeast - located in Cairns - is a wholly owned subsidiary of NORSTA Maritime Pty Ltd, an Australian company. NORSTA operates in North-Eastern Australia and Northern Australia as the Royal Australian Navy’s Regional Maintenance Provider (RMP). Our mission is to provide essential maintenance and sustainment services for naval vessels in the region.

NOTE: As a condition of this role, you must be able to obtain (and hold) Baseline Defence security clearance, which requires Australian Citizenship. A National Police Criminal History Check will also be undertaken.

About the HSE Officer role (Based in Cairns)

Build on your HSE experience with a role that combines practical waterfront involvement, systems administration and opportunities to learn.

NORSTA Northeast is seeking an HSE Officer to join our Cairns team, supporting safe work across waterfront, vessel and project activities.

Reporting to the HSE Manager, you’ll work closely with our HSE team to maintain HSE systems and records, support compliance reporting and engage with employees and contractors in operational work areas.

Your work will include workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident reporting, corrective action follow-up and toolbox talks. You’ll also help maintain HammerTech, our digital HSE platform, ensuring information is accurate and current.

This opportunity suits someone with sound HSE fundamentals, relevant experience and strong organisational skills who wants to broaden their practical capabilities. With guidance from the HSE Manager and HSE Advisors, you’ll develop your knowledge and experience while building the capability to progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain HSE systems, records and compliance documentation.
• Provide practical waterfront and operational HSE support.
• Support incident reporting, investigations and corrective actions.
• Assist with compliance checks, audits and assurance activities.
• Compile HSE performance data and support reporting.
• Promote safe work practices through communication and engagement.
• Contribute to HSE improvements and develop practical HSE capability.

Your Experience

You have a sound understanding of HSE fundamentals, practical experience in an HSE role or HSE administration with operational exposure, and strong organisational skills. You’re comfortable working with both office and operational teams and keen to broaden your practical capabilities.

You want to build your knowledge and experience in the industry while developing practical capability in the world of maritime sustainment.

You will bring:

• Previous HSE/WHS experience, or HSE administration experience with exposure to operational activities.
• Sound knowledge of WHS principles, risk management and relevant legislation.
• Experience maintaining HSE systems, records and compliance documentation.
• Exposure to workplace inspections, risk assessments or incident reporting.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear communication and confidence engaging with employees, contractors and supervisors.
• Good digital skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to learn HSE systems.
• A willingness to learn, seek guidance and work across office and waterfront environments.
• A Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, completed or in progress, and a Construction Industry White Card.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a minimum Baseline Defence security clearance.

Key Skills

• Practical HSE skills – identifying hazards, supporting risk assessments and checking that controls are in place.
• Communication and engagement – explaining requirements clearly and building positive relationships with employees and contractors.
• Organisation and attention to detail – maintaining accurate records, managing priorities and following up actions.
• Digital capability – confidently using Microsoft Office and HSE management systems.
• Reporting skills – compiling data and preparing clear reports, incident records and safety communications.
• Problem-solving and judgement – recognising concerns, recommending practical improvements and knowing when to seek guidance.
• Initiative and teamwork – working independently within defined responsibilities and contributing to the wider team.
• Willingness to learn – responding to feedback and developing technical and operational HSE skills.

Qualifications

Minimum: Certificate IV in WHS or related discipline

Construction White Card

How to apply

Submit your current CV, outlining your skills and professional experience, along with a cover letter that includes your contact details. Due to the urgency of the recruitment, rolling interviews will be held between now and next week. We appreciate your interest in joining our team. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration. For further details about this role, please email hr@norsta.com.au

As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women and Defence Force Veterans. We recognise the unique contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to our organization, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that honors and celebrates their cultures, histories, and knowledge.