FULL TIME – Permanent
Salary: $140, % Superannuation
Location: Applicants must reside in or be willing to relocate to Geraldton
Vacancy Closes: 5pm, Monday 5 January 2026
We currently have an exciting opportunity to join our Marine Team as a Pilot Boat Skipper on a permanent full-time basis.
About Us
Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) provides an essential service, connecting regional Australia to national and international markets as a specialist port catering to boutique and diverse operations.
MWPA operates seven (7) commercial berths and critical marine and land assets which enables the facilitation of trade for the Mid West region, exporting a variety of products including iron ore, grains, mineral sands, non-mineral sands and mineral concentrates. The Port also imports fuel, fertiliser and break bulk cargo. The Port of Geraldton also encompasses the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour (FBH), home to Geraldton's fishing industry. The FBH provides significant opportunities for further development of the Port and activation of a thriving commercial and leisure industry hub.
Mid West Ports Authority embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.
About the Role
The Pilot Boat Skipper is responsible for transporting marine pilots to and from vessels as well as the maintenance of pilot boats, navigation aids and associated marine operations related emergency equipment and safety management procedures.
Responsible for skippering vessels associated with oil pollution response, sea search & rescue, general MWPA business and providing towage services associated with MWPA maintenance objectives.
About You
Key qualifications and experience:
Essential
* Master less than 24 metres near coastal or higher marine qualification
* Marine engine driver grade 2 near coastal or higher marine qualification
* Provide First Aid qualification
Desirable
* Highly skilled boat handling skills with at least 5 years' experience in a similar role as a skipper
* Experience in, or knowledge of, marine pilot transfer operations
* Working knowledge of marine mechanics and maintenance requirements
* An understanding of environmental issues and impact to marine pilot transfer operations.
* Ability to use computers, IT Equipment and various software's linked to routine operations
* Experience in, or knowledge of, participating in marine related emergency response
* Ability to manage risk and safety in marine operations
Benefits:
* Equal Time Roster
* 42 shifts of Annual leave
* 12 days of Personal leave
* 13 weeks paid parental leave (primary carer)
* Annual salary increases
* Phone allowance
* Access to training and development opportunities
* Access to Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
* Employee and Service Recognition Reward Program
* Free skin checks and flu vaccinations
* Uniform provided
If we have captured your interest, more information on the role and application process can be found by visiting our website See the 'Careers' tab.
Eligibility to Apply: Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for positions in the public sector.
This selection process will initially be used to fill the advertised vacancy. However, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. This option remains valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision.
Living in the Mid West:
MWPA operations are located in sunny Geraldton, situated 400kms north of Perth, Western Australia, and is a coastal, community focused and family friendly town. We also have several key roles based in our Perth office.
Our reputation for sunny days, beautiful beaches, water sports and wildflowers should be enough to tempt anyone, but if you need more convincing check out this video for more information on why you should live and work in Geraldton.