Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Chief Engineer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the hotel’s building services, plant, equipment and facilities. Requirements typically include relevant engineering, electrical, mechanical or building-services experience, strong maintenance knowledge, practical troubleshooting skills and an understanding of Australian workplace health and safety standards. Hotel or property-maintenance experience, contractor management skills and the ability to manage budgets and compliance records are highly valued. The successful candidate is expected to lead the engineering team, plan preventive maintenance, respond quickly to breakdowns, supervise contractors, support environmentally responsible operations and ensure guests and employees enjoy a safe, comfortable property. Good communication, organisation, leadership and a hands-on approach are essential.
Can I work in Australia?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Only Core Skills list jobs (chef, cook, hotel manager) can be sponsored, at AUD 79,423 a year or more; waiters and room attendants are not on the list.
Watch for: The Far North Queensland (Cairns) regional agreement lists waiter, bar and housekeeping supervisors and night auditors, with a pay floor 10% lower.
Official source: Federal Register of Legislation: Core Skills Occupation List for the Skills in Demand visa (Migration (Specification of Occupations, Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024, LIN 24/089, compilation of 7 November 2025). Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in Australia
Usual for Australia, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Island resorts rent staff a room in a staff village at low cost; city hotels vary |
|---|---|
| Meals | Island resorts: staff dining at low set prices or 20% off; city hotels vary |
| Flights | Varies by employer |
| Service charge | None; tipping is not expected; casuals get 25% extra and weekends earn penalty rates (by law) |
| Contract | Permanent, part-time or casual; probation of up to 6 months is common; sponsored visa up to 4 years |
| Leave | Full-time and part-time: 4 weeks' leave, 10 paid sick days, paid public holidays (by law); casuals none |
| Income tax | Residents: 0% to AUD 18,200, 15% to 45,000, 30% to 135,000, 37% to 190,000, then 45%; plus 2% Medicare levy |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise is a full-service hotel located in the heart of Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast, close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. It operates under the Novotel brand, part of Accor, a major international hospitality group with hotels and resorts in numerous countries. Novotel properties are designed for business and leisure travellers, combining practical accommodation with restaurants, meeting facilities and guest-focused services. As part of Accor, the hotel generally provides access to international brand standards, structured operational systems, staff development opportunities and employee benefits that may include discounted stays. The Surfers Paradise property serves a wide range of domestic and international visitors, creating a busy environment where engineering reliability, guest comfort, safety and energy efficiency are important operational priorities.