Work Health and Safety Officer

The Role

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Defence personnel while supporting the operational readiness of one of Army's key Reserve Brigades. Headquarters 13th Brigade is seeking a highly motivated and experienced APS 6 Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer to provide specialist WHS advice and support to the Commander 13th Brigade, Headquarters staff and subordinate units.

Operating within a framework of legislation, Defence policy and established work practices, the WHS Officer plays a critical role in ensuring a safe working environment across a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. The position requires the ability to work independently, build strong stakeholder relationships and influence positive safety outcomes in a dynamic, high-tempo military environment.

The successful applicant will contribute to the development of a strong safety culture by promoting best-practice WHS principles, supporting compliance activities and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the Brigade.

As the APS 6 WHS Officer, you will:

• Provide expert WHS advice and guidance to the Commander, Headquarters staff and subordinate units on workplace health and safety matters.
• Lead and support WHS risk management activities, including hazard identification, risk assessments and the implementation of effective control measures.
• Conduct workplace inspections, safety assessments and compliance monitoring activities to ensure alignment with legislative requirements, Defence policies and directives.
• Manage incident and hazard reporting through the Sentinel WHS system, investigate incidents and near misses, identify contributing factors and recommend corrective actions.
• Support the planning and delivery of safe training activities, exercises and operational support functions.
• Conduct WHS audits and investigations and monitor the implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Provide advice on hazardous substance management, workplace hazards and emerging WHS risks.
• Facilitate and support WHS committees, working groups and consultation processes.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Direct Command Units and key stakeholders to influence safe work practices and behaviours.
• Prepare reports, briefs and recommendations for senior leadership on WHS performance, risks and compliance matters.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance WHS capability and organisational safety performance. 

About our Team

Located in Perth, the 13th Brigade is responsible for generating and sustaining Army force elements and capabilities across Western Australia in support of Army operations, training activities, and national objectives. As a key component of the Army Reserve, the Brigade plays an important role in preparing personnel and units to contribute effectively to domestic, regional, and international missions, ensuring they are trained, equipped, and ready to meet operational requirements.

Our Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of Work Health and Safety legislation, regulations and risk management principles.
• Experience conducting WHS investigations, inspections, audits and risk assessments.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide practical safety solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes across all organisational levels.
• Experience managing workplace incidents and corrective action processes.
• The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a complex operating environment.
• High-level written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, briefs and recommendations.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers