We are seeking an experienced Work Health and Safety (WHS) qualified to provide specialist advice and operational support across the Reef Authority's WHS, wellbeing, and injury management functions.

Working within the broader People Services team, the Manager - Work Health and Safety is responsible for ensuring the Reef Authority’s compliance with its WHS duties and requirements, proactively managing physical and psychosocial risks to health and safety in the work environment, providing rehabilitation case management for both compensable and non-compensable claims, applying early intervention and rehabilitation strategies and actions to support Reef Authority employees, and ensuring ill and injured employees achieve a safe return to work.

The role is responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of the Reef Authority's WHS and injury management frameworks, systems and programs, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements and organisational priorities. You will contribute to the development of a positive safety culture through effective risk management, incident response, education and training, stakeholder engagement, and capability-building activities.

The Manager – Work Health and Safety also promotes and delivers organisational wellbeing and mental health initiatives, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

What you'll do

- Drive compliance with WHS and rehabilitation legislation and contribute to initiatives that strengthen WHS practice across the Reef Authority.
- Manage injury, rehabilitation and return-to-work matters, including early intervention and support for compensable and non-compensable claims.
- Oversee physical and psychosocial risk management, incident and hazard reporting, investigations and the implementation of effective controls.
- Provide authoritative, practical WHS and injury management advice to managers and employees.




- Develop and continuously improve WHS and injury management policies, frameworks, systems and workplace wellbeing initiatives.
- Build WHS capability and a positive safety culture through education, training, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and reporting.

What you'll bring

- Specialist knowledge of WHS legislation and contemporary WHS practice, supported by extensive practical experience in an occupational environment.
- Experience managing WHS risks, workers’ compensation, rehabilitation and return-to-work matters, and workplace incident investigations.
- The ability to interpret legislation, policies and guidance and translate complex requirements into clear, practical and defensible advice.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking and communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and high-risk matters with sound judgement and discretion.
- Experience developing WHS programs and delivering education and training that builds the capability and confidence of managers and employees.

Essential Requirements

- Certificate IV, Diploma or Degree in Work Health and Safety.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a similar WHS role (preferably in the APS).
- Demonstrated knowledge of WHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice (preferably in the Commonwealth jurisdiction).

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Ready to apply? Visit the Reef Authority Careers page to view the Candidate Pack and submit your application.

📌 Manager - Work Health and Safety (Townsville)
🏢 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
📍 Townsville