Principal Surveyor

$187,109 - $198,502 + 15.4% super

AMSA Level 8

Location flexible (any AMSA office)

Ongoing

• Key responsibility for delivery of AMSA’s accredited marine surveyor scheme
• Lead the implementation of policy, related to maritime safety, based on national and international developments in the maritime sector
• Enjoy flexible work, generous benefits incl 15.4% super and Christmas shutdown.

About AMSA - Work with Purpose

Safe Seas. Clean Seas. Saving Lives.

At Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), every role contributes to our mission to protect lives, support safe maritime operations, and safeguard Australia’s marine environment.

We are Australia’s national agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment, and maritime and aviation search and rescue. We regulate vessel safety and seafarer qualifications, provide the infrastructure for safe navigation in Australian waters, and coordinate national search and rescue services. These outcomes are enabled by strong corporate, digital and specialist capabilities that support our operational work nationwide.

With around 500 employees across Australia, AMSA operates in a complex, highly regulated environment and offers meaningful careers with national reach and long-term impact. Learn more at amsa.gov.au.

About the Role

As the Principal Surveyor, you will lead AMSA’s accredited marine surveyor scheme, overseeing governance, audits and training to support the safety and compliance of Australia’s domestic commercial vessel sector. Reporting to the Head of Technical, Domestic Vessel Survey and Certification, you will provide expert technical advice, lead the implementation of maritime safety policy, and work closely with accredited surveyors, technical specialists and industry stakeholders to deliver national regulatory outcomes and organisational priorities.

In this role you will:

• Supervise and develop the Senior Surveyor team, including training and capability development of new team members.
• Lead and coordinate audits, accreditation activities and technical workshops that support AMSA's accredited marine surveyor scheme.
• Provide expert technical advice and guidance to accredited marine surveyors, AMSA staff and industry stakeholders on regulatory and operational matters.
• Assess applications and make decisions under delegated authority in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor industry developments and regulatory changes, contributing to technical guidance, standards, policy advice, reports and stakeholder engagement activities.

What We're Looking For

You will bring:

• Considerable experience in the survey and technical assessment of domestic commercial vessels within the Australian framework, including practical knowledge of vessel construction, modification, maintenance, compliance and risk-based assessment.
• Relevant qualifications and technical expertise in naval architecture, vessel engineering, or as a shipwright or a similar associated discipline, and the ability to become accredited as a DCV Surveyor under the National Law in that discipline.
  • STCW qualifications must be supported by demonstrated experience on domestic commercial vessels, or in directly relevant near coastal operations, to ensure the candidate has practical knowledge of the domestic commercial vessel sector.
• Considerable knowledge of the legislative, regulatory and technical frameworks that govern Australia's domestic commercial vessel sector.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, industry and regulatory environments.
• Experience in audit, assurance or compliance activities, supported by a strong understanding of risk management and sound regulatory decision-making.
• Behaviours aligned with One AMSA values and ways of working
  
  

For further details, please refer to the position description. Information about our terms and conditions of employment are contained in the AMSA Enterprise Agreement 2024 - 2027

What We Offer at AMSA

At AMSA, we support our people to do their best work through:

• Competitive remuneration and salary packaging options
• 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
• Generous leave entitlements with 20 days annual leave plus paid Christmas shutdown
• Paid parental leave with 18 weeks for primary and 11 weeks for secondary carer (increasing to 14 weeks from 1 March 2026)
• Wellbeing focus with health reimbursements, flu vaccinations and an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Flexible work including work from home arrangements
• Career development including training, study assistance, paid professional memberships.
• Opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a difference through AMSA’s staff-led networks

One AMSA: Shaping Our Future Together

One AMSA is our commitment to creating a workplace that is safe, respectful and inclusive – where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to contribute.  It shapes how we work together and ensures collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across AMSA.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the Careers at AMSA portal and click ‘Apply’ on the job listing before 11:55pm AEST on Wednesday 29th July 2026.

You will need to provide:

• A resume (maximum 3 pages)
• A cover letter (up to 600 words) outlining your suitability based on the key responsibilities and capabilities required for the role.

For further information about the role, contact Ben Corden-McKinley on 0418 627 404 or Benjamin.Corden-McKinley@amsa.gov.au

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@amsa.gov.au.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted, as AMSA recruitment is managed internally.

AMSA does not engage staff under the Public Service Act 1999. AMSA engages employees under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 and our remuneration arrangements are specific to AMSA.