Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Samuel Wasaga

Thursday Island,Australia

Summary

Operational leader with 24 years of experience in Queensland Government infrastructure delivery, advancing from tradesperson to Acting Operations Manager. Expertise in regional and remote service delivery, particularly in Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area. Proven track record in construction, maintenance, project planning, and staff supervision, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality infrastructure projects. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, budget management, WHS compliance, and culturally responsive service delivery in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operations Manager

QBUILD
06.2025 - Current

Client and Program Manager

QBUILD
07.2025 - 08.2025
  • Appointed through an internal EOI to lead and coordinate strategic housing and maintenance programs across Queensland’s Indigenous communities.
  • Liaised with the Department of Housing’s Indigenous Housing Project Officers to support the development of Housing Asset Management Strategies, Engagement Strategies, and Governance Arrangements.
  • Led QBuild’s internal resourcing and delivery for accelerated housing condition assessments and related maintenance blitzes across Indigenous communities.
  • Contributed to the design and development of new Delivery Agreements and supported regional offices to align program activities with QBuild’s service commitments.
  • Oversaw the preparation of Indigenous Community Profiles to inform future planning and program reporting.
  • Provided high-level program management across the definition, design, procurement, and delivery stages to ensure consistent quality, cost, and time performance across projects.
  • Represented Regional Operations at key technical and governance meetings, supporting strong client relationships and inter-agency coordination.

Acting Operations Manager

QBUILD
01.2022 - 06.2025
  • Coordinated construction and maintenance efforts in alignment with Queensland Government’s Capital Works Framework.
  • Directed office and field staff to ensure timely completion of government infrastructure projects.
  • Acted as primary liaison for major projects, nurturing relationships with state departments and local councils.
  • Created and managed budgets, addressing resource challenges in operational planning.
  • Proactively enhanced staff performance and development, instilling accountability across teams.
  • Promoted change initiatives to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce environment.

Senior Supervisor

QBUILD
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Supervised field and office staff across multiple trades and project types, directly reporting to District Manager.
  • Managed daily operations including scheduling, WHS compliance, and client liaison throughout project lifecycle.
  • Engaged stakeholders regularly to promote service excellence and resolve maintenance issues via Ellipse.
  • Monitored asset utilization for plant, vehicles, and equipment to optimize operational efficiency.

Supervisor – Service Maintenance

QBUILD
11.2018 - 12.2020
  • Coordinated delivery of hard service maintenance contracts and emergency breakdown responses.
  • Conducted site audits and invoice checks to ensure compliance with service agreements.
  • Supported negotiations and variations of service agreements in response to asset changes and client requirements.

Estimator

QBUILD
01.2016 - 11.2018
  • Created cost estimates for government construction and maintenance projects.
  • Scoped projects, assessed risks, and prepared tender documentation.
  • Liaised with contractors to ensure project alignment and execution.
  • Utilized Buildsoft for generating precise scoping documentation.

Foreperson

QBUILD
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Supervised apprentices and trades staff to ensure compliance with WHS standards and technical competencies.
  • Coordinated unplanned work activities while contributing to training and performance management initiatives.
  • Mentored apprentices to develop technical skills and promote workplace safety practices.

Refrigeration Mechanic

QBUILD
03.1999 - 01.2014
  • Installed and maintained refrigeration and air conditioning systems in commercial and residential sites.
  • Serviced units to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
  • Operated effectively in high-risk environments while contributing to overall project delivery.
  • Supported various project teams by providing specialized technical expertise as needed.

Education

Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical -

TAFE North QLD
01.2000

Year 12 Graduate -

Thursday Island State High School

Skills

  • Project and program management
  • Construction coordination
  • Team leadership
  • Budget development
  • Contract administration
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • WHS compliance
  • Remote service delivery
  • Asset management
  • Culturally responsive communication

Certification

  • QLD Open Driver’s Licence
  • QLD Marine Licence (RMDL)
  • QLD Construction Induction (White Card)
  • First Aid & CPR Certificate

Accomplishments

  • Rising Stars Leadership Program

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Client and Program Manager

QBUILD
07.2025 - 08.2025

Operations Manager

QBUILD
06.2025 - Current

Acting Operations Manager

QBUILD
01.2022 - 06.2025

Senior Supervisor

QBUILD
01.2021 - 01.2022

Supervisor – Service Maintenance

QBUILD
11.2018 - 12.2020

Estimator

QBUILD
01.2016 - 11.2018

Foreperson

QBUILD
01.2014 - 01.2016

Refrigeration Mechanic

QBUILD
03.1999 - 01.2014

Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical -

TAFE North QLD

Year 12 Graduate -

Thursday Island State High School
Samuel Wasaga