The opportunity

Join Downer’s Southeast Queensland water business and help deliver safe and reliable services for local communities. As a Zero Harm Advisor, you will work predominantly in the field across project and operational sites, partnering with delivery teams, clients and contractors to proactively identify and manage risks to people and the business. Through practical advice, coaching, governance and continuous improvement, you will help strengthen health and safety performance and support relevant environmental obligations. Office-based work will also form part of the role, supporting planning, reporting, incident management and improvement initiatives.

This is a practical, influential role for a safety professional who builds trust, understands work as done, and helps teams turn requirements into effective controls.

What you’ll do

• Provide practical Zero Harm and environmental advice to project managers, engineers, supervisors, work crews and delivery partners.

• Maintain a visible field presence and coach teams to understand critical risks, verify effective controls and improve how work is planned and performed.

• Support the consistent application of legislation, The Downer Standard, client requirements, Zero Harm management plans and operational procedures across construction, maintenance and renewals activities.

• Provide governance and assurance over Zero Harm systems through risk-based inspections, field observations, critical control verifications and audits, including accurate recording of findings and follow-up of actions and non-conformances.

• Lead ICAM investigations where required under The Downer Standard, support other incident and near-miss investigations, and help operational teams develop sustainable actions and share lessons learned.

• Support the development and review of Zero Harm plans, risk registers, SWMS, work instructions, inductions, toolbox talks and other operational controls.

• Support accurate and timely recording, review and close-out of incidents, hazards, inspections, audits and actions within Downer and client systems, including monthly reporting, data quality and trend analysis.

• Support workforce and subcontractor onboarding and ongoing assurance through document reviews, field verification, performance monitoring, coaching and participation in subcontractor audits.

• Operational leaders remain accountable for managing work and implementing effective controls. The Zero Harm Advisor provides specialist advice, coaching, governance and assurance to support those accountabilities.

• Support effective workforce consultation through field engagement, pre-starts, toolbox discussions, risk assessments and investigations.

• Lead or contribute to Zero Harm improvement initiatives, including critical risk programs, frontline capability, health and wellbeing, contractor assurance and lessons learned.

• Build constructive relationships with clients, contractors, and relevant regulatory stakeholders.

• Contribute to the broader Zero Harm team and actively share learning and better ways of working across Water programs.

What you’ll bring

• A minimum Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, or an equivalent recognised WHS qualification.

• Demonstrated experience in a health and safety advisory or operational safety role, ideally within water, utilities, civil construction, infrastructure or maintenance.

• Experience working with health, safety and environmental management systems and applying legislative requirements in the field.

• Strong coaching, consultation and relationship-management skills, with a practical and collaborative approach.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and communicate requirements to varied audiences.

• Sound organisation, judgement and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise in a changing, multi-stakeholder environment.

• A current driver's license and the ability to travel between sites across the relevant program area.

• Working knowledge of Australian work health and safety legislation and contemporary risk management principles.

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct assurance activities, respectfully challenge ineffective controls and convert findings into practical operational improvements.

Highly regarded

• ICAM Lead Investigator training or equivalent investigation experience.

• Auditor training or experience supporting audit and assurance programs.

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

• Knowledge of Human and Organisational Performance or contemporary learning-focused safety practices.

• Previous water-industry experience.

What we offer

• A competitive total remuneration package and tool-of-trade vehicle, where applicable.

• A stable role supporting essential water infrastructure and services.

• A collaborative Zero Harm team with access to experienced leaders and technical support.

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Downer’s water and broader Energy & Utilities business.

• Flexible working arrangements where operational and site requirements allow.

• The opportunity to make a visible contribution to safer work, stronger teams, and positive community outcomes.

About Downer Energy & Utilities

Downer Energy & Utilities businesses deliver services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. Our teams design, build, operate, and maintain critical assets across water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors.

How to apply

If you are a practical safety professional who enjoys working alongside delivery teams and influencing positive change, we welcome your application. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Pre-employment requirements: The preferred candidate may be required to complete role-relevant checks, including eligibility to work in Australia, reference and qualification checks, and a pre-employment medical assessment including drug and alcohol screening. Where the role involves occupational exposure to sewage or other biological hazards, evidence of relevant immunisation, or a willingness to participate in an approved occupational vaccination program, may also be required following a program-specific risk assessment and applicable workplace requirements.

Downer values the diverse experiences, talents and cultures of our people. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.