Pontoon Caretaker | Cruise Whitsundays

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with. When the ocean is your office, every day is good one!

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.

About the Role

We are seeking a Pontoon Caretaker to join our Marine Team. Our Pontoon Caretakers are an integral part of the team primarily responsible for the servicing and maintenance of ancillary vessels, machinery and equipment on our Hardy Reef pontoons ensuring the best facilities for our day and overnight guests. A unique opportunity to live and work on the Great Barrier Reef where together with the hospitality team, you will share special places and create lasting memories.

This will be a full-time position on a lifestyle roster, 7 days on 7 days off, at our Pontoons located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef departing from Airlie Beach, QLD. Shared accommodation and meals provided whilst on duty at the Pontoon.

Your days might include:

• Ensuring exceptional presentation of the Pontoons and Auxiliary vessels;
• Vessel handling and compliance with Safety Management Systems;
• Maintenance and operation of pontoon generators and engines;
• General pontoon operational tasks;
• Undertaking crew training including in-water training and vessel inductions;
• Ensuring maintenance is undertaken on board and defects are recorded;
• Conducting rescue and lookout duties for guests;
• Customer service and product delivery working closely with the hospitality team.

About the Role

To be successful you will be a team player with a demonstrated positive “can-do” attitude, be comfortable living and working on water for extended periods of time. You will have previous deckhand experience, a general aptitude for maintenance and engineering, and ability to deliver professional customer service. You should be resourceful, a creative problem solver and able to think on your feet.

Successful candidates will have

• Proven leadership skills with strong marine safety knowledge and compliance expertise
• Excellent communication abilities to guide and support the Deck Crew
• Strong organisational skills and effective time management
• Flexibility to work a remote 7/7 roster over weekdays, weekends and public holidays.

• AMSA accredited Coxswains Grade 1 (Open); or Master <24 and a MED 2/3 ticket advantageous.

• Radio Operators License
• HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid and HLTAID015 - CPR & Apply Oxygen;
• Responsible Service of Alcohol
• Blue Card (Working with Children's Check);
• National Police Check

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar
• Discounts at the bar on board vessels
• Free public transport
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

Applications will be reviewed and progressed as they are received, so don't wait, apply now!