Work, Health and Safety Officer

The Role

As the HQ 8th Brigade Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officer, you will provide specialist WHS advice, governance support and administrative services to assist Army's WHS Management System. Reporting to the Executive Officer within the Command Advisory Group, you will support managers in meeting WHS obligations, monitor health and safety performance, analyse data, prepare reports and contribute to informed decision-making.

You will assist with incident management, compliance reporting, risk management frameworks and WHS assurance activities that support force preservation and organisational safety outcomes. The role also contributes to maintaining internal governance arrangements and promoting a positive safety culture across Headquarters 8th Brigade.

Based at Timor Barracks, Dundas, the position is primarily office-based due to the collaborative and sensitive nature of WHS work.

Applicants require sound knowledge of the WHS Act 2011 and Regulations. WHS qualifications, experience with Codes of Practice, Occupational Hygiene, Comcare reporting requirements, and Radiation Safety or ARPANSA compliance knowledge are highly desirable.

About our Team

Headquarters 8th Brigade plays a critical role in generating the Army Reserve (SERCAT 5) workforce through the delivery of individual training, contributing directly to Defence's ability to deliver an integrated and capable force.

As a member of the Headquarters Command Advisory Group, you will work within a collaborative team supporting the Brigade's governance, assurance and workforce protection functions. You will be mentored by experienced Headquarters staff and work closely with WHS specialists across Forces Command, contributing to a broader WHS network that supports Army's training establishments and operational outcomes.

Our team is focused on enabling safe and effective capability generation by supporting commanders and managers to identify and manage risk, streamline governance processes, and respond effectively to WHS incidents. We foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement, providing opportunities to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders while contributing to Army's commitment to safety, compliance and force preservation.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative WHS professional with a commitment to best practice, continuous improvement and supporting Army's mission of service to the nation. The successful candidate will possess sound knowledge of the Commonwealth WHS Act 2011 and Regulations, with the ability to provide practical WHS advice across areas including risk management, incident management, occupational health and hygiene, auditing and WHS management systems.

The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to build effective stakeholder relationships. Experience using WHS reporting and management systems, together with a willingness to develop skills in emerging data analysis and reporting tools, is essential.

Formal WHS qualifications are highly desirable, with a Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, radiation safety experience, and knowledge of Comcare engagement and regulatory processes considered advantageous.

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