Lifestyle opportunities aplenty for Port of Esperance Marine Pilot applicant

An opportunity to live and work on the pristine WA south coast, right next to some of the world’s best beaches, is open to experienced seafarers interested in becoming the Port of Esperance’s next Marine Pilot.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said a unique opportunity has opened for a vacant position in its Esperance-based marine team.

“Being a marine pilot in Esperance offers great lifestyle opportunities as well as a rewarding work environment,” Mr Wilks said. 

“For marine pilots, the Port of Esperance is a unique environment to learn and work in given it’s the only deep-sea port on WA’s south coast, is a gateway port to the region’s mining, agriculture, forestry and tourism, and is so open to the natural environment – it’s a really interesting port.” 

“We employ all of our pilots directly, so our marine teams get the added benefits of working closely with colleagues across Albany, Bunbury and Esperance as well as enjoying all the benefits Southern Ports has to offer.”

Southern Ports has 13 marine pilots across its three ports, including five at Esperance. 

More than 8.2 million tonnes of trade was facilitated by the Port of Esperance last year during 171 vessel visits across its three berths.

Captain Mitch Gimm became the most recent marine pilot to join Southern Ports at the Port of Esperance in late 2024.

After spending decades at sea in various roles, Capt. Gimm has embraced the opportunity to be in one spot for the past 12 months.

“Up until I joined Southern Ports my whole career had essentially been fly-in, fly-out,” he said.

“I’ve loved being able to settle down in one spot because it means I can duck home for lunch, have a beer with the boys in my downtime or head out for a quick surf at short notice.”

Born-and-raised in WA, Capt. Gimm had visited Esperance just once before taking the job in the coastal town known best for its relaxed lifestyle and its plentiful beaches.

“In 2023 I was down for a weekend and it had nothing to do with trying to get a job here, it was just about wanting to see the place, and I immediately liked what I saw,” Capt. Gimm said.

“I’ve always been a keen surfer who loves spending time in and around water, so it’s been a great spot to land and I’ve embraced the opportunity to be part of a great community.” 

He said he settled into his new role quickly thanks to the support of the Esperance marine team.

“We’ve got a really great Marine team here in Esperance, and the wider Southern Ports team as a whole has been very welcoming from day one,” Capt. Gimm said.

The successful applicant will be the fifth member of the Port of Esperance marine team and will be supported by a workforce of more than 300 team members across Southern Ports’ four sites.

Visit the Southern Ports website to learn more about the opportunity and to apply.