The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.
About the role
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is seeking an experienced Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator for a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Reporting to the Safety & Emergency Manager, you will provide specialist OHS advice and support to leaders, employees and stakeholders across a diverse organisation responsible for managing coastal reserves, parks, visitor destinations and environmental assets spanning the Great Ocean Road region.
This is a hands-on and strategic role where you'll drive continuous improvement, strengthen organisational safety culture and ensure compliance with OHS legislation and best practice standards. The position can be based from either Torquay or Warrnambool, with travel across the region as required.
What you'll do
- Coordinate and maintain GORCAPA's Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
- Provide expert advice and support on OHS legislation, policies, procedures and workplace safety practices.
- Lead incident reporting, investigations and corrective actions to improve safety outcomes.
- Facilitate hazard identification, risk assessments and management of the organisation's OHS risk register.
- Coordinate workplace inspections, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and review OHS policies, procedures, plans and guidance materials.
- Deliver and coordinate employee health, wellbeing and safety training programs.
- Support the development and implementation of emergency management plans, procedures and training.
- Coordinate Health and Safety Committee meetings, workshops and reporting activities.
- Manage return-to-work processes and contribute to injury management and workers compensation outcomes.
- Partner with leaders and employees to promote a proactive, compliant and positive safety culture.
What we're looking for
We're looking for a safety professional who is passionate about workplace health and wellbeing and has the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of an organisation.
You'll bring:
- A minimum Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, with a Diploma or higher qualification highly regarded.
- Demonstrated experience in an OHS coordination or advisory role.
- Strong knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, associated regulations and industry best practice.
- Experience in incident investigation, risk management, emergency planning and workplace wellbeing initiatives.
- Return to Work Coordinator training and/or experience managing injury management and workers compensation processes.
- Experience developing, implementing and improving OHS programs and management systems.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and support leaders, managers and geographically dispersed teams.
- Experience working with OHS regulatory bodies and compliance frameworks.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Proficiency in OHS reporting systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience in land management, parks, environmental, conservation or related operational environments will be highly regarded.
Why join us?
At GORCAPA, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the protection and sustainable management of one of Australia's most significant coastal regions.
We offer:
- The opportunity to work for a purpose-driven organisation that cares for Victoria's iconic Great Ocean Road coastline.
- A supportive, collaborative and values-driven workplace culture.
- Diverse and rewarding work across safety, wellbeing, emergency management and organisational improvement.
- Professional development opportunities and exposure to a broad range of operational environments.
- Flexible base location in Torquay or Warrnambool.
- The chance to influence organisational safety culture and create positive outcomes for employees, contractors and visitors.
Everyone is welcome at the Authority:
Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Appointment to this position is subject to a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, evidence of Australian work rights and a current Australian Driver Licence.