Operations Manager | Eco-Tourism & Marine Fleet

Lead the unique amphibious marine eco-tours and premium guided walking experiences in spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park. Hands-on land-and-sea leadership, safety compliance, and team culture role.

About Us

Wanderer Adventures – Wilsons Promontory Cruises delivers premium, nature-based marine experiences in one of Australia’s most pristine and iconic natural environments. Utilising our unique, custom-built amphibious vessels, our cruises take travellers directly from the sand at Tidal River straight into the sea. We showcase the spectacular granite coastline, remote beaches, and abundant marine life of the Prom—including the stunning Skull Rock and Norman Beach.

Complementing our cruises, our premium guided walking tours connect customers directly to the park's iconic tracks, remote wilderness, and unique flora, fauna and local history.

We are a proud member of the Victorian owned and operated Searoad Ferries group of companies, a leading marine tourism network moving approximately one million customers annually across Victorian water and land-based experiences.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, high-calibre Operations Manager to lead the secure, efficient, and day-to-day execution of our marine tour business. Reporting directly to the General Manager – Wanderer Adventures, this position is a pivotal leadership role responsible for fleet management, walking tour logistics, strict compliance, and fostering an exceptional team culture.

Operating in a dynamic, weather-dependent, and seasonal national park setting, you will balance practical maritime capability with strong operational discipline to ensure our cruise operations run reliably, cost-effectively, and with a relentless focus on customer safety and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

- Fleet & Tour Operations: Oversee the day-to-day execution of both marine cruises and guided walking tours, supervising scheduled and unscheduled vessel maintenance works, and performing land-based walking track audits to ensure operations are immaculate and 'fit for customers'.

- Maritime Compliance: Drive strict adherence to our Safety Management System (SMS), AMSA Marine Orders, Parks Victoria frameworks,



and wildlife protection regulations.

- People & Culture: Lead, coach, and roster a dedicated crew. Conduct daily toolbox briefings regarding safety, weather, and park conditions to maintain a motivated, high-performance culture.

- Cross-Department Liaison: Partner closely with the Customer Service Team Leader to proactively manage passenger logistics, booking manifests, weather disruptions, and customer feedback.

- Commercial Execution: Monitor operational budgets, manage day-to-day cruise costs, and identify tactical opportunities to drive business efficiencies and revenue growth.

- Field Leadership: Perform Senior Tour Guide (Master) duties on board when required, maintaining watch over vessel safety and seaworthiness, while periodically auditing and leading land-based guiding teams on wilderness tracks.

What You Will Bring (Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role, you will be a resilient, solutions-focused leader who genuinely thrives in a close-knit, regional environment.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

- AMSA Commercial Ticket: Minimum Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (NC) or Master <24m.

- Marine Engineering: Minimum qualification of MED 3 or MED 2.

- Certifications: Current Elements of Shipboard Safety (ESS), Marine Radio Certificate (MROCP/MROVCP), and a valid AMSA Medical Fitness certificate.

- Leadership Track Record: Proven experience leading, scheduling, and developing a frontline operational team, or a marine crew.

- Compliance Acumen: Solid experience working within a strict Safety Management System (SMS) and enforcing robust OH&S; processes.

- Screenings: Current National Police Check and a valid Victorian Working with Children Check (or immediate willingness to obtain).

- First Aid: Current Senior First Aid and CPR Certificates.

Desirable Attributes:

- A formal qualification in Business, Tourism,



or Management.

- Experience within premium eco-tourism or regional passenger transport.

- Strong local knowledge of Wilsons Promontory and the surrounding marine environments.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to pair your maritime expertise with an extraordinary lifestyle in a world-famous eco-tourism destination. We offer a supportive corporate network, real professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead a truly unique marine operation.

What’s on Offer (Benefits & Perks)

By joining the Searoad Ferries family, you get the backing of an iconic, well-established regional tourism group (employing over 300 people across Victoria) combined with an unmatched lifestyle package:

- Premium Discounts: Enjoy 50% hospitality discounts across our unique waterfront and regional venues

- Travel Benefits: Take advantage of free travel across our ferry services

- Health & Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Supplied Uniform

- Growth Opportunities: Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities within a diversified tourism and hospitality group

- Unbeatable Work Environment: Walk out of work straight into world-class national park trails, stunning beaches, and a close-knit, supportive community lifestyle. (Subsidised on-site accommodation options may be available).

How to Apply

If you are ready for a rewarding career move that combines leadership with an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle, we want to hear from you!

Please follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Review the full position description: visit wandereradventures.com.au/careers to download a copy of the Position Description which should be considered before applying.

2. Prepare your application: ensure you have both a tailored letter of application (cover letter) outlining your suitability for a remote management role, and a current resume.

3. Submit via SEEK: Click the 'Apply for this job' button on this page to upload and submit your documents.

Please note
- All applications must be submitted strictly via SEEK.

- No recruitment agency enquiries, please. Direct applicant submissions only.

📌 Operations Manager | Eco-Tourism / Marine (Wilsons Promontory)
🏢 Wanderer Adventures
📍 Wilsons Promontory