Marine Hydrographer

Join Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) and help deliver critical coastal and marine monitoring programs that support communities, government and industry across New South Wales.

The Marine Hydrographer is an ongoing specialist role in the Coastal & Marine team, where you will lead and undertake specialist offshore and nearshore field operations. The role contributes directly to the NSW Waverider Program, offshore tide monitoring networks, marine services and coastal engineering and environmental monitoring projects.

You will plan, lead and safely execute vessel-based deployments, servicing and recovery of Waverider buoys, offshore tide gauges, moorings and associated telemetry and instrumentation. This includes coordinating equipment, vessels, field crews and contractors; assessing operational conditions; resolving technical issues; and ensuring equipment and data are returned safely and fit for purpose.

• →Lead offshore and coastal field deployments from planning and mobilisation through to recovery, demobilisation and reporting.
• →Deploy, service and recover Waverider buoys, offshore tide gauges, moorings, anchors, acoustic releases, telemetry and other oceanographic instrumentation.
• →Plan vessel, equipment, personnel, contractor, weather-window, logistics and contingency requirements for offshore work.
• →Prepare and brief field teams on work methods, roles, hazards, controls, communications, emergency arrangements and stop-work criteria.
• →Operate and coordinate small vessels and work with vessel masters and contractors during offshore lifting, towing, mooring and instrument-handling operations.
• →Inspect, configure, test, calibrate, troubleshoot, service and maintain marine monitoring equipment before, during and after deployment.
• →Diagnose faults in sensors, power systems, telemetry, moorings and mechanical components and implement practical field-based solutions within approved procedures.
• →Collect, download, process, quality assure and manage wave, water-level and other oceanographic or hydrographic data.
• →Maintain accurate deployment records, asset histories, field notes, photographs, configuration records and technical reports.
• →Coordinate concurrent priorities and communicate clearly with senior staff, clients, vessel operators, contractors and other stakeholders.
• →Ensure contractors are appropriately procured and managed, including reviewing relevant skills, safety records, insurance records and performance.
• →Contribute to improved deployment methods, equipment reliability, field documentation, technical procedures and safe systems of work.
• →Undertake marine, estuarine, riverine and coastal monitoring work elsewhere in NSW, including overnight travel and work in variable weather and sea conditions.

• Appropriate qualifications or equivalent industry experience. Ability and willingness to safely carry out all duties working on or near water, in the natural environment and urban environment including wastewater and stormwater systems.
• Current Boat licence/Coxswain certificate (Grade 1).
• Current licence to operate a Forklift truck.
• Demonstrate swimming/rescue (up to 200 m) assessment.
• Current First Aid certificate or commitment to obtain within six months.
• A valid NSW driver’s licence and willingness to travel, including overnight stay and fieldwork.
• Must pass a Royal Life Saving swim and rescue assessment within the probationary period and biennial thereafter.

• Demonstrated experience leading and personally undertaking offshore or nearshore marine field deployments and recovery operations.
• Demonstrated practical experience with deployment, servicing, recovery and fault-finding of oceanographic, hydrographic or environmental monitoring equipment.
• Ability to plan and coordinate specialist vessel-based operations, including personnel, vessels, lifting and deck equipment, moorings, instrumentation, logistics and contingency arrangements.
• Sound judgement in assessing marine conditions and operational risks, applying approved controls and stopping or modifying work where conditions are unsafe.
• Experience briefing and directing small field crews or contractors during technically complex work on or near water.
• Practical mechanical, electrical and instrumentation skills relevant to sensors, power supplies, telemetry, moorings, connectors, housings and marine equipment.
• Experience designing, assembling, inspecting or maintaining mooring systems, including anchors, chain, rope, swivels, shackles and recovery arrangements.
• Ability to read and apply technical procedures, deployment plans, equipment manuals, risk controls and vessel operating requirements.
• Experience collecting, processing, checking and documenting oceanographic, hydrographic or environmental monitoring data.
• Ability to prepare clear field records, technical reports and advice and to communicate effectively with clients and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deliver safe, timely and high-quality outcomes.

• Direct experience with Datawell Waverider buoys or equivalent directional wave buoys.
• Direct experience with offshore tide gauges, subsea pressure sensors, acoustic releases, telemetry and remote marine communications systems.
• Experience with deck machinery, lifting equipment, winches, A-frames, cranes, towing arrangements and safe manual handling of heavy marine equipment.
• Commercial vessel-handling experience and experience working with vessel masters during offshore operations.
• Knowledge of coastal processes, oceanography, hydrography, wave and tide measurement, data quality assurance and marine asset management.
• Experience supervising contractors and maintaining asset inventories.

MHL provides specialist and impartial advice in coastal and water engineering and water-flow assurance, using physical and numerical modelling, NATA-accredited facilities and extensive data collection programs. MHL is a business unit within the Water Group of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

This ongoing role will strengthen business-critical coastal and marine capability supporting the NSW Waverider Program, offshore tide monitoring, marine services and high-demand coastal project work. It will support continuity of critical services, specialist capability development and workforce resilience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Marine Hydrographer MHL

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Joao Goncalves via joao.goncalves@mhl.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Amanda Tantzaris on 02 8275 1128 (please mention reference number 552656).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 31 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 14 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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