The opportunity
Join a passionate and purpose driven team dedicated to improving health and safety across at-risk silica-processing industries. This exciting ongoing opportunity offers you the chance to work directly with businesses to manage workers crystalline silica exposure, helping them understand and implement effective safety controls in line with evolving regulations. Offering flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on professional growth, this role is ideal for an experienced WHS professional looking to make a tangible difference while progressing their career in work health and safety.

The position
In this role, you will play a key part in supporting South Australia’s mining, quarrying, and construction industries by providing timely, high quality, professional and specialised WHS consultancy on exposure controls and work health and safety standards. You will use your exceptional relationship building skills to engage directly with businesses to discuss risk controls, regulatory compliance, and the importance of early disease detection. Your responsibilities will include working with employers and workers in high exposure risk businesses to develop and implement effective safety processes. You will provide tailored support to clients and stakeholders, whilst ensuring all services are delivered equitably. You will also be responsible for maintaining records and preparing reports and helping to drive positive change in workplace health and safety across South Australia.

This role will be a full-time ongoing position.

About you
You are an engaging, people-focused professional with a strong understanding of dust-related industries and the unique challenges faced in high-risk environments like mining, quarrying, and construction. You know the importance of robust safety systems and have a strong working knowledge of the WHS Act, regulations, and risk analysis. With excellent communication skills, you easily connect with stakeholders across diverse industrial backgrounds, building trusted relationships and driving positive change. Highly organised and passionate about health and safety, you are driven to improving safety outcomes where they matter most. A qualification (minimum Certificate IV) in WHS is essential, with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, knowledge of AS/NZS ISO 31000 Risk Management, and experience applying industry standards and policies will be highly regarded.

ReturnToWorkSA Profile

At ReturnToWorkSA, our purpose is to empower and support South Australians impacted by work injury. Our services and those delivered by our claims agents are designed to provide early intervention support to workers and employers following a work injury to ensure the worker can recover and return to work as quickly as possible.

We manage the collection of premium payments from registered employers and our invested funds to ensure we maintain a viable financial position that enables the delivery of quality support and services to injured workers.

In addition, we are the regulator of the Return to Work scheme and play the key role of protecting the integrity and fairness of the Scheme by monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act and providing education and support about the health benefits of work.

About Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC)
The MAQOHSC (www.maqohsc.sa.gov.au) is dedicated to safeguarding workers from dust related disease through its 5-year strategy and yearly action plan. Through a collaborative approach involving industry, unions, and government, MAQOHSC delivers practical safety initiatives, education, and research to reduce workplace harm. With a strong emphasis on preventing dust diseases such as silicosis, the Committee plays a vital role in promoting a healthier, safer future for workers.

Why join us? 
Experience a workplace culture that rewards your contribution and provides the development and support to help you reach your potential. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where our people can genuinely make a difference to the lives of South Australians affected by work injury. At ReturnToWorkSA, you can expect a range of benefits including:

• an extensive wellbeing program
  • access to a broad range of wellbeing seminars, webinars and information sessions
  • a free onsite gym and bike storage
  • annual vaccinations, skin checks, and seasonal fruit
  • discounted corporate private health insurance
  • and a proactive EAP provider
• flexible work options including part time and working from home
• access to learning and development programs to enhance your personal and professional skill set and career development
• modern offices with excellent amenities in the Adelaide CBD

Special requirements/Conditions

• National Police Check
• current SA Drivers Licence (Class C) – some intrastate travel may be required
• some out of hours work may be required to meet the needs of the role.

Further information
Candidates will also be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate personal and professional alignment with ReturnToWorkSA’s organisational values which are critical to our success: We care about people and sustainability; We are inclusive and innovative; We listen to understand; and We own our actions.

 WHS Specialist MAQOHSC - Position Description - August 2025.pdf

The remuneration package for this position commences at $101,481 (exclusive of superannuation). The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience.

How to apply
Please submit a cover letter demonstrating your key capabilities and experience supported by your current resume addressed to Shelley Rowett, Executive Officer (MAQOHSC) by 9.00am on Friday 10 July 2026. If you would like to discuss the position further, Shelley can be contacted on 0417 977 124. You can also find out more about Mining and Quarrying Occupational Health and Safety Committee (MAQOHSC) via their website.

Please note shortlisting and interviewing for this role will commence immediately so we strongly encourage all candidates to put forward your applications as soon as possible. The role may close early if a preferred candidate is identified.

Inclusion and acceptance
ReturnToWorkSA is an equal opportunity employer, valuing difference and embracing diversity and we promote flexible ways of working, applicants are encouraged to discuss any workplace adjustments that might be needed as well as the flexible working arrangements for this role.

Still not sure?
We are proud to be recognised as an Endorsed Employer for All Women by WORK180. Research indicates that up to 60% of women and underrepresented groups may hesitate to proceed, even after completing a draft application. We firmly believe that diversity enhances the strength of every team, so even if you don’t tick all the boxes, we still want to hear from you.