Marine jobs in Cairns QLD

About TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider in the State. For more than 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers. Our award-winning training is delivered on campus, online, and in the workplace to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies.

By working at TAFE Queensland, you can be part of a highly experienced workforce that is closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.

Your Opportunity

The Deckhand supports the safe and efficient operation of training vessels and maritime training programs. This role involves assisting educators, supporting the maintenance of training vessels, compliance with safety regulations, and providing hands-on support to trainees during practical training sessions. Work is primarily conducted on vessels and in outdoor maritime environments. May involve exposure to various weather conditions and physically demanding tasks.

The Deck Hand reports to the Business Manager

This is a Permanent, Full-Time opportunity

The position will be based primarily at Great Barrier Reef International Marine College, Cairns however you may be required to perform work at other TAFE Queensland campuses.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation, operation, and securing of training vessels.
Support general vessel maintenance, including cleaning, basic repairs, and routine checks.
Conduct safety inspections and report any defects or hazards to supervisors.
Record and report staff training and induction, engineering requirements and issues aboard the vessels.
Assist with refuelling, mooring, and anchoring operations.
Maintain effective relationships and communication with staff, students, clients and external contractors.
Comply with the operation and legislative compliance of TAFE Queensland Training vessels.
Support Educators in delivering practical training sessions on the vessel.
Support Educators to ensure trainees follow safety procedures while onboard and during maritime activities.
Assist with emergency drills and first aid response if required.
Ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and accessible.
Adhere to maritime regulations, organisational policies, and environmental standards.
Support the logistics and administration of training programs as required.
Support the preparation of materials including reasonable cutting, sizing, issuing and recording materials for class exercises with appropriate instruction, training and supervision and maintain an adequate supply of materials, training aids and equipment for classes.
Support the organising of pricing and quotations for consumable materials and ensure approvals are within budget and forwarded in a timely manner to the purchasing unit.
Assist in maintaining a clean and organized training environment.
Contribute to the success of transformation and cultural change through promoting and modelling the established values of Showing Initiative, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer and Taking Responsibility.

How you will be assessed

The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:

A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the maritime industry.
Knowledge of Work, Health and Safety legislation and Australian Standards as they apply in a maritime training environment.
Knowledge of the use and maintenance requirements of equipment and resources used in maritime workshops and vessels.
Commits to achieving quality outcomes, keeps up to date with emerging technologies and implements relevant applications in appropriate settings.
Proven ability to work as part of a team while remaining flexible and adaptable to organise and prioritise own workload and apply well developed organisational skills to tasks or projects.
High level of communication and client service skills to work collaboratively with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve outstanding client service.

How to apply

If you're interested in this role, click the 'Apply' button to submit your application via the TAFE Queensland Recruitment Portal. When submitting your application, please ensure you provide the following:

A detailed resume;
A cover letter that outlines your known skills, abilities, knowledge and experience in response to the 'How you will be assessed' criteria above (maximum of 2 pages in total); and
The contact details for two referees (one of whom is your current supervisor)

Closing date: 15 July 2026

Job Reference Number: TQ2026-640

For further information, please contact:
Contact name: Donna Spencer

Role: Faculty Manager - Maritime

Phone: 0479 178 407This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.