Job Overview & Organization Mission

Direct high-speed catamaran vessel operations, pontoon experiences, and marine biology education across the Great Barrier Reef.

Experience Co is recruiting a Senior Ecotourism Operations & Marine Park Manager based in tropical Cairns. You will lead marine tourism operations for Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, managing custom catamaran vessels, outer reef activity platforms, indigenous sea ranger programs, and GBRMPA environmental compliance.

As a key member of the team at Experience Co in Cairns, QLD, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Oversee daily: Oversee daily marine passenger vessel departures, crew scheduling, and offshore activity platform operations.
• Ensure compliance: Ensure compliance with AMSA commercial vessel safety management systems (SMS) and marine regulations.
• Direct the: Direct the citizen science and reef restoration programs on our outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with Traditional Owners to integrate authentic Indigenous cultural reef storytelling.
• Lead emergency: Lead emergency response drills, dive safety protocols, and marine wildlife protection guidelines.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Experience Co, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Management, or Tourism & Master Class IV Skipper.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Degree in Marine Science, Tourism Operations, or Maritime Studies.
• 5+ years marine tourism or passenger vessel operations management experience.
• Strong understanding of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) permitting and Eco-Certification.
• Master Class IV / Coxswain certification and Rescue Diver qualification is highly advantageous.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Experience Co, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$125,000 – AU$155,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $125,000 – $155,000 + 11.5% super + performance bonus.
• Unrivalled tropical lifestyle in Cairns with regular days on the Great Barrier Reef.
• Company-wide adventure activity discounts across Australia and New Zealand.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Experience Co

Experience Co is an ASX-listed adventure tourism company connecting guests to breathtaking natural environments across Australia.

Experience Co is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Experience Co careers gateway.