Deck Hand

About the Organisation

TAFE Queensland is committed to placing students, employers, and communities at the heart of its work. It is recognised as the State’s largest and most experienced provider of vocational education and training, with a history spanning more than 140 years. The organisation delivers practical, industry-relevant learning across campus, online, and workplace settings to help people build enduring careers and contribute to stronger communities and local economies.

Working here means joining a skilled workforce that stays closely connected to industry and focuses on best-practice, innovative training delivery.

Role Overview

The Deck Hand plays a key part in the safe and efficient running of training vessels and maritime learning programs. The position involves supporting educators, helping maintain training vessels, ensuring compliance with safety requirements, and assisting trainees during practical sessions. Work is mainly carried out on vessels and in outdoor maritime settings, and it can include exposure to changing weather conditions as well as physically demanding tasks. The role reports to the Business Manager.

This is a permanent, full-time position based primarily at the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College in Cairns, although duties may also need to be performed at other TAFE Queensland campuses.

Key Responsibilities

• Help prepare, operate, and secure training vessels.
• Carry out general upkeep of vessels, including cleaning, minor repairs, and routine inspections.
• Perform safety checks and escalate defects or hazards to supervisors.
• Document and report staff training and induction activity, along with engineering requirements and vessel-related issues.
• Support refuelling, mooring, and anchoring tasks.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, clients, and external contractors.
• Ensure vessel operations align with legal and organisational compliance requirements.
• Assist educators with practical training delivery on board.
• Help ensure trainees observe safety procedures during vessel-based and maritime activities.
• Support emergency drills and first aid response when needed.
• Make sure safety equipment is maintained, available, and ready for use.
• Follow maritime regulations, internal policies, and environmental standards.
• Provide support for the logistics and administration of training programs as required.
• Assist with preparing materials for class exercises, including cutting, sizing, issuing, recording, and maintaining adequate supplies of materials, training aids, and equipment under suitable direction and supervision.
• Help gather pricing and quotations for consumable materials, confirm approvals remain within budget, and forward them to the purchasing team in a timely manner.
• Contribute to keeping the training environment clean and orderly.
• Support transformation and cultural change by demonstrating the organisation’s values of Showing Initiative, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer, and Taking Responsibility.

Selection Criteria

• Sound knowledge and understanding of the maritime industry.
• Understanding of Work Health and Safety legislation and Australian Standards relevant to a maritime training environment.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance needs of equipment and resources used in maritime workshops and vessels.
• Ability to deliver quality outcomes, stay current with emerging technologies, and apply relevant solutions appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team while staying flexible, adaptable, and organised in managing priorities and tasks.
• Strong communication and client service skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders and colleagues to deliver excellent service.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed resume, a cover letter responding to the selection criteria above in no more than two pages, and the contact details of two referees, including one current supervisor.

Additional Information

Closing date for applications: 15 July 2026.

Job reference number: TQ2026-640.

Contact for further information: Donna Spencer, Faculty Manager - Maritime, phone 0479 178 407.

Occupational group: Facilities/Asset Management.

Applications are to be lodged through the TAFE Queensland Recruitment Portal.