Job Description
Full job description
Contact Officer:
Andrew JOHNSON on 02 6136 81+7 | Andrew.Johnson@infrastructure.gov.au
Closing Date:
11.5+pm AEST, Sunday 8 September 2026
Our Department Values
Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.
The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.
The opportunity we have available
Surface Transport Emissions and Policy Division contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by developing and implementing national reforms in surface transport policy and regulation (maritime, shipping, rail and road transport reforms) to achieve efficient, productive, safe, and sustainable outcomes, which are environmentally friendly and enhance Australia’s international competitiveness. The Division is responsible for Australian Government engagement with the states, territories, local government, industry and internationally in relation to shipping policy and maritime regulation, road and rail policy and regulation.
The Strategic Fleet Branch supports the implementation of the Government’s key election commitment to establish a strategic fleet of up to 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels that are to be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, but could be requisitioned by the Government in times of national crisis such as natural disaster or conflict.
The Government appointed a Taskforce to provide independent advice to guide its decisions. The Taskforce has provided its report to the Government and the Branch is responsible for leading work to implement the Government’s commitment for the strategic fleet.
Working with industry and across government, implementing the strategic fleet policy will provide for future growth, sustainability and employment opportunities in the vitally important maritime sector of the Australian economy.
The opportunity is to lead the Partnerships and Workforce team in the Strategic Fleet Branch. You will work independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive, enthusiastic and positive team that will delivery this important government policy.
As the Director – Strategic Fleet, Partnerships and Workforce you will:
Implement taskforce recommendations to help build the maritime workforce which will support the strategic fleet
Engage across government on the use of the strategic fleet as a key enabler for supply-chain resilience and crises preparedness and mobilisation
Identify opportunities to engage with foreign Governments, including advancement of existing negotiations, to strengthen maritime supply chains
Contribute to the annual review of the Maritime Workforce Development Plan
Examine how the strategic fleet links to other Commonwealth Government priorities, such as decarbonisation and regional engagement and assistance
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for skilled and experienced people who want to:
shape the future of Australia’s maritime and shipping policy
work closely with Commonwealth departments to develop coordinated policy positions and advice for Senior Executives and Ministers
engage with maritime industry stakeholders
make a difference to businesses and shippers who rely on sea freight
The successful candidate for this Director position will be able to showcase and provide examples of the following skills and experience:
program design and development, particularly where programs affect the private sector
policy development, strategic thinking and complex problem-solving
high level stakeholder engagement skills
management of a team, including individual performance
management and fostering team capability in a flexible working environment
strong written skills and the ability to prepare high quality briefing and other advice under tight deadlines
clear and effective communication with the ability to influence outcomes
the ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
What else can we offer?
We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We offer fulfilling work and an inclusive, collegiate work environment.
Some of the benefits we offer include:
A supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
Opportunities to improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
Generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.
Join our department and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1+++ including:
Citizenship: To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
Health Assessment: the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance: the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.5+pm AEST, Sunday 8 September 2026.
In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than one page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than three pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants.
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6274 6161 or via email at recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email DiversityandInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au
Work with us. Apply now!
Contact Officer:
Andrew JOHNSON on 02 6136 81+7 | Andrew.Johnson@infrastructure.gov.au
Closing Date:
11.5+pm AEST, Sunday 8 September 2026
Our Department Values
Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.
The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.
The opportunity we have available
Surface Transport Emissions and Policy Division contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by developing and implementing national reforms in surface transport policy and regulation (maritime, shipping, rail and road transport reforms) to achieve efficient, productive, safe, and sustainable outcomes, which are environmentally friendly and enhance Australia’s international competitiveness. The Division is responsible for Australian Government engagement with the states, territories, local government, industry and internationally in relation to shipping policy and maritime regulation, road and rail policy and regulation.
The Strategic Fleet Branch supports the implementation of the Government’s key election commitment to establish a strategic fleet of up to 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels that are to be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, but could be requisitioned by the Government in times of national crisis such as natural disaster or conflict.
The Government appointed a Taskforce to provide independent advice to guide its decisions. The Taskforce has provided its report to the Government and the Branch is responsible for leading work to implement the Government’s commitment for the strategic fleet.
Working with industry and across government, implementing the strategic fleet policy will provide for future growth, sustainability and employment opportunities in the vitally important maritime sector of the Australian economy.
The opportunity is to lead the Partnerships and Workforce team in the Strategic Fleet Branch. You will work independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive, enthusiastic and positive team that will delivery this important government policy.
As the Director – Strategic Fleet, Partnerships and Workforce you will:
Implement taskforce recommendations to help build the maritime workforce which will support the strategic fleet
Engage across government on the use of the strategic fleet as a key enabler for supply-chain resilience and crises preparedness and mobilisation
Identify opportunities to engage with foreign Governments, including advancement of existing negotiations, to strengthen maritime supply chains
Contribute to the annual review of the Maritime Workforce Development Plan
Examine how the strategic fleet links to other Commonwealth Government priorities, such as decarbonisation and regional engagement and assistance
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for skilled and experienced people who want to:
shape the future of Australia’s maritime and shipping policy
work closely with Commonwealth departments to develop coordinated policy positions and advice for Senior Executives and Ministers
engage with maritime industry stakeholders
make a difference to businesses and shippers who rely on sea freight
The successful candidate for this Director position will be able to showcase and provide examples of the following skills and experience:
program design and development, particularly where programs affect the private sector
policy development, strategic thinking and complex problem-solving
high level stakeholder engagement skills
management of a team, including individual performance
management and fostering team capability in a flexible working environment
strong written skills and the ability to prepare high quality briefing and other advice under tight deadlines
clear and effective communication with the ability to influence outcomes
the ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
What else can we offer?
We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We offer fulfilling work and an inclusive, collegiate work environment.
Some of the benefits we offer include:
A supportive, values-driven culture, allowing you to keep being you.
Opportunities to improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
Generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.
Join our department and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1+++ including:
Citizenship: To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
Health Assessment: the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance: the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.5+pm AEST, Sunday 8 September 2026.
In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than one page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than three pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants.
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6274 6161 or via email at recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email DiversityandInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au
Work with us. Apply now!
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The EL2 | Director | Strategic Fleet Branch |Partnerships and Workforce position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Canberra offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.