Executive Officer / Formation Safety Advisor (Hobart)

The Role The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) – Tasmania is seeking a highly capable and motivated Executive Officer (XO) / Formation Safety Advisor (FSA) to support the Regional Commander Australian Army Cadets – Tasmania (COMD AAC TAS) in the leadership and day-to-day management of Headquarters Tasmania AAC Battalion Headquarters. This is a senior enabling role providing executive, governance, financial, safety and operational leadership across a geographically dispersed and diverse workforce. The position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, compliant and effective delivery of Army Cadet Activities and Program across Tasmania, supporting over 300 cadets and a large volunteer workforce. As the XO/FSA, you will lead and coordinate an integrated workforce of ADF personnel, APS employees and Army Cadet Staff (volunteers). You will prioritise and manage workflows, resources, governance, reporting and assurance activities, while fostering strong professional relationships across the Battalion, National Headquarters and external stakeholders. A key component of this role is the function of Formation Safety Advisor, where you will provide expert advice and assurance across Work Health and Safety (WHS), youth safeguarding, risk management and incident management, ensuring compliance with Commonwealth and State legislation, Defence policy and the Defence Youth Manual including the Defence Youth Safety Framework. This position offers a significant level of autonomy, leadership responsibility and the opportunity to work in one of Army’s most diverse and professionally rewarding environments, contributing directly to youth development outcomes across Tasmania. In this role, you will:
- Report to the Commander TAS (AAC) Battalion.
- Provide high level executive, advisory and coordination support to the Commander TAS (AAC) Battalion.
- Lead and mentor a mixed workforce of permanent staff, reservists and volunteers.
- Coordinate governance forums, meetings and reporting requirements.
- Oversee WHS, youth safety, security and compliance obligations for the Battalion.
- Act as the Formation Safety Advisor for TAS Bn.
- Manage incident reporting, investigation support, escalation and follow up.
- Provide budget, procurement and financial governance oversight.
- Support facilities, estate and base management engagement.
- Represent the Commander at meetings and forums when required.
- Align with Defence values. The role requires flexibility, including attendance at cadet parade nights (Typically Wednesday 6:00–9:00 pm) travel within Tasmania, selected cadet activities and occasional travel interstate. Time worked outside core hours will be compensated in accordance with the Defence Enterprise Agreement. About our Team The Tasmania (AAC) Battalion effectively supports Army’s community engagement tasking, producing young Australians willing and enabled to assume leadership roles or make positive contributions within their communities and throughout their careers. Our Cadets are aligned to Defence Values. The wider community’s perception of Army is enhanced. The Cadets are attracted towards various career pathways, develop interest and skills in emerging technologies and are encouraged to participate in volunteering in their future careers. The Tasmania (AAC) Battalion supports approximately 300 cadets across nine community based units, delivering the Australian Army Cadets youth development program in line with the Chief of Army’s Strategic Intent. The Battalion has a growth plan that will see up to 20 units by 2030 The XO/FSA is the key conduit between the Tasmania Battalion and National AAC Headquarters in Canberra and plays a central role in coordinating effort across operations, personnel, and logistics, and training, safety and governance functions. You will work closely with Army Reserve personnel, APS staff and Army Cadet Staff (volunteers), and have ongoing interaction with cadets aged 12–18 during key activities and events. Our Ideal Candidate To succeed in this role, you will be a self-starter with solid personal drive and professional integrity, and demonstrate the ability to:
- Lead, coach and mentor a diverse workforce in a complex operating environment.
- Build and maintain effective professional relationships with Defence personnel, volunteers, youth participants and community stakeholders.
- Provide sound judgement and advice in relation to WHS, youth safety, risk and incident management.
- Manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
- Analyse information, reporting and trends to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
- Coordinate administrative, logistical and governance support for major activities and events.
- Manage budgets, procurement processes and financial reporting in compliance with Defence requirements.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of audiences, tailoring messages as required.
- Demonstrate discretion and professionalism when managing sensitive Staff and Youth related matters. Application Closing Date: Sunday 14 June 2026 For further information please review the job information pack, reference ARMY/01588/26 on Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3r0ze9