Title:  WRL Field Operations Specialist

We bring the energy – through purpose and people

Not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

We all want a future of energy we can be proud of. With us you can.

The Western Renewables Link Project (WRL) is the largest transmission build of its kind in more than three decades. WRL is a critical piece of transmission infrastructure required to deliver energy from wind and solar farms in western Victoria to homes across the state and to the National Electricity Market.

As a Field Operations Specialist you will be a Subject Matter Expert for the project in all things Security and Risk Management, reporting directly to the Field Operations and Security Manager.

Day to day you will be responsible for the safe delivery of all out-of-office activities on the WRL project including pre-construction surveys, roadside works, community engagements, and stakeholder meetings. This will be achieved through both administrative and operational support including completing office and field-based security risk assessments, planning, supervision, and incident management. 

Your role will be key in driving meaningful engagement with stakeholders, contributing to a landmark project in Australia’s energy transition. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, this is your chance!

This role is based in Ballarat (with some work out of Melbourne and Yarraville) and is part of the Western Renewable Link Project which spans from Sydenham in western metropolitan Melbourne to Bulgana located between Stawell and Ararat in western Victoria. Routine regular travel to regional western Victoria is a requirement of this role, including overnight and weekend stays either at local hotels or workforce accommodation camps.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Serving as the WRL Site Lead for field activities, including works conducted roadside or in opposed communities. You will be critical in ensuring that all works are conducted safely and in accordance with AusNet policies and procedures and any site access requirements including biosecurity. Your role will include briefing the work parties and coordinating on-site support resources including contracted security and traffic control staff, as well as leading any incident/emergency response, and all reporting.
• Participating in or leading land access under the execution of statutory powers, ensuring full compliance with the ESC Land Access Code of practice and the completion of required field work without harm to work parties.
• Contributing to all aspects of the pre-event/activity risk assessment process, planning and logistics for all out-of-office activities across all teams within the project.
• Providing on-site risk assessment/management and logistics support for community engagement events, and industry and stakeholder meetings, to ensure the safety of all involved. You will need to adequately respond to any incident of significant disturbance, or any other identified threat, risk or emergency.
• Providing SME advice on security and risk management across all project streams and improve security and risk awareness across the project.
• Entering information into incident reporting, intelligence and mapping systems on behalf of the project.
• Acting as a brand steward for AusNet and the WRL project when in the community and de-escalate and manage any incidents.
• Engaging in a professional and respectful way with all stakeholders and delivery partners to strengthen trust and confidence in the project.
• Working closely with Registered Aboriginal Parties to build respectful working relationships with Traditional Owners.
• Applying a best for project and Zero Harm approach to all your critical and strategic thinking.

You don’t need to check every box; however, we’re looking for a good combination of:

• Risk Management/Community Safety/Law Enforcement background (minimum 5 years)
• Cert IV or higher qualifications in security risk management, investigations or similar is preferred
• Hold current First Aid and CPR qualifications and a full, unrestricted and valid driver’s license
• Operational experience leading, supervising or coordinating in-field teams including incident management 
• Proven ability to develop, maintain and strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Experience working or living in rural, regional or agriculture communities is desirable
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office and Apple iOS systems including mobile based reporting and map systems, as well as Power BI and Excel based data systems
• Excellent communication skills with previous training in operational based conflict de-escalation or negotiation and a high level of personal resilience 
• Experience operating various security equipment such as two-way radios and Body Worn Cameras is preferred
• Experience operating in a construction and/or farming environment with knowledge of industry specific safety and biosecurity requirements is a bonus
• Experience contributing to the preparation of policies and procedures, intelligence and incident reports, risk assessments, and frontline and executive level briefings

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.   
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.  
• Being apart a team that cares deeply about each other: We share in the good times. We support in the tough times. And we’re humble through and through.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

AusNet. We bring the energy. Want to be part of it too? Apply now.