Every drill bit, steel beam, bolt, and spare part that reaches a remote Australian mine or gas site has passed through dozens of hands before arriving on location. None of it happens by chance.
Behind the scenes are FIFO logistics and materials coordinators — the people who plan, track, and move everything that keeps billion-dollar projects running. They make sure supplies leave Perth, Darwin, or Brisbane on time, survive harsh road or air transport, and arrive exactly where and when they are needed.
If you’ve ever wondered who keeps the machines running hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, this guide reveals how FIFO logistics professionals do it — and how you can join their ranks.
1. What FIFO Logistics and Materials Coordinators Do
Core Responsibilities
- Manage the movement of goods, tools, and consumables between warehouses, suppliers, and remote sites.
- Coordinate freight schedules, manifests, and delivery documentation for air, road, and sea transport.
- Oversee receipting, inspection, and storage of incoming materials on site.
- Maintain stock control systems and ensure correct inventory levels for each department.
- Liaise with suppliers, transport companies, and project managers regarding delivery timelines.
- Process purchase orders and returns using ERP systems such as SAP, Pronto, or Oracle.
- Manage dangerous goods handling and ensure compliance with chain-of-responsibility laws.
- Support maintenance and shutdown teams by forecasting material requirements.
- Track high-value equipment through barcoding or digital inventory systems.
- Supervise yard or warehouse crews during load and unload operations.
What It Looks Like on Site
A logistics coordinator might start the morning reviewing overnight manifests from Perth Airport, then oversee a helicopter drop or truck convoy into camp. Later, they’ll reconcile deliveries, verify safety paperwork, and send updated inventory reports to the head office. Every action matters because one missing shipment can shut down production.
2. Where These Jobs Fit in the FIFO Industry
These positions sit at the crossroads of operations, procurement, and supply chain. Without them, projects stop. Logistics roles are embedded in:
| Sector | Example Employers | Typical Worksites |
|---|---|---|
| Mining & Resources | BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Glencore, South32 | Iron ore, gold, coal, and lithium sites |
| Oil & Gas | Woodside, Santos, INPEX, Chevron | LNG plants, gas fields, and offshore support bases |
| Construction & Infrastructure | CPB Contractors, Thiess, John Holland | Major road, rail, and energy projects |
| Facilities & Camp Management | Sodexo, Compass Group, Ventia | Logistics support for camp operations |
| Renewables | Neoen, AGL, APA Group | Wind and solar project staging depots |
Most logistics professionals work for mining and energy contractors but are stationed at remote hubs or airstrips where supplies are received, catalogued, and redistributed.
3. Locations and Key Logistics Hubs
Western Australia
- Perth and Karratha: Central freight consolidation hubs feeding Pilbara operations.
- Port Hedland, Newman, and Tom Price: On-site warehouse and yard coordination roles.
- Kalgoorlie and Leinster: Logistics officers for gold and nickel operations with limited access routes.
Queensland
- Moranbah and Dysart: Supply coordination for coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
- Roma and Chinchilla: Gas and pipeline support depots for Surat Basin projects.
- Gladstone: Maritime and LNG export logistics roles.
Northern Territory
- Darwin Port and Ichthys LNG: Large-scale freight and materials management positions.
South Australia
- Olympic Dam and Roxby Downs: Internal logistics for underground mining operations.
New South Wales and Victoria
- Broken Hill and Bendigo: Regional logistics for renewable and infrastructure projects.
These hubs connect directly with major airports, ports, and trucking corridors, allowing materials to move efficiently despite vast distances.
4. Qualifications and Training Requirements
Essential
- Certificate III or IV in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30321 / TLI40321).
- White Card (CPCWHS1001).
- High-Risk Work Licence (LF, DG, CN, or RB) if operating forklifts or cranes.
- National Police Clearance and pre-employment medical.
- Strong computer literacy with Microsoft Excel and ERP software (SAP, Pronto, Oracle).
Recommended for Advancement
- Diploma of Logistics (TLI50221).
- Chain of Responsibility (CoR) certification.
- Dangerous Goods Awareness training.
- Working Safely at Heights and Confined Space Entry units.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
Preferred Skills
- Inventory control and forecasting accuracy.
- Strong communication and problem-solving under pressure.
- Understanding of freight routes, storage methods, and temperature control.
- Leadership ability for supervising yard or warehouse teams.
5. Typical Pay and Rosters
| Role | Hourly Rate | Annual Range | Typical Roster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storeperson / Materials Handler | $40–$50 | $95,000–$115,000 | 2:1 or 8:6 |
| Logistics Officer / Coordinator | $55–$70 | $120,000–$145,000 | 2:1 |
| Senior Materials Coordinator | $70–$85 | $145,000–$165,000 | 14:7 or 3:1 |
| Logistics Superintendent / Manager | $90–$110 | $170,000–$200,000+ | 2:1 or 3:1 |
Packages typically include flights, meals, accommodation, and travel allowances. Oil and gas sites often pay at the top of the range due to complex freight requirements.
6. Day-to-Day Life in FIFO Logistics
Morning (6:00–8:00am):
Check the manifest of goods flown or trucked in overnight. Prioritise critical maintenance items and liaise with supervisors about delivery deadlines.
Midday (10:00–2:00pm):
Oversee unloading at the laydown yard, confirm materials against orders, and update the inventory management system. Handle supplier calls and coordinate backloads or returns.
Afternoon (3:00–5:30pm):
Prepare daily freight reports for head office, schedule outgoing shipments, and verify dangerous goods paperwork. Inspect storage areas for compliance and organise refuelling or spare-parts logistics for the next swing.
Every minute counts — logistics errors ripple through the site instantly, affecting production, maintenance, and safety.
7. Major Employers and Pathways
- BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Glencore, South32 – large in-house logistics teams for mining operations.
- Woodside, Santos, INPEX, Chevron – energy sector employers with high compliance standards.
- Sodexo, Compass Group, Ventia – handle camp and non-production logistics.
- Thiess, CPB Contractors, Downer, Monadelphous – heavy construction logistics management.
- Recruitment agencies: Chandler Macleod, CoreStaff, Brunel, and Stellar Recruitment.
Most roles are advertised on SEEK, Indeed, and company career portals under “Materials Coordinator,” “Logistics Officer,” or “Storeperson FIFO.”
8. Career Progression
Common Pathways
- Storeperson → Logistics Officer → Materials Coordinator → Warehouse Supervisor → Logistics Superintendent.
- Administration or Procurement Officer → Logistics Planner → Site Supply Chain Manager.
Further Study Options
- Diploma of Logistics or Advanced Diploma of Supply Chain Management.
- Graduate Certificate in Project Management or Operations.
- Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certifications.
With experience, logistics professionals can move into procurement, project planning, or corporate supply chain roles overseeing multi-site operations.
9. Work Environment and Lifestyle
Advantages
- Central role in site efficiency and production success.
- High salaries for technical, non-trade positions.
- Clear progression into management or corporate supply chain.
- Travel and exposure to multiple industries and sites.
Challenges
- Long hours, often in extreme heat or dust.
- Heavy responsibility for shipment accuracy and timing.
- Isolation from family during swings.
- Tight compliance requirements for dangerous goods and safety.
Despite these challenges, most logistics professionals thrive on the satisfaction of solving problems and keeping projects on schedule.
10. How to Start a Career in FIFO Logistics
- Complete a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations or relevant logistics qualification.
- Gain warehouse or freight coordination experience locally.
- Obtain a White Card, High-Risk Work Licence, and Police Clearance.
- Apply for FIFO storeperson or inventory assistant roles through major contractors.
- Learn ERP systems and compliance documentation on the job.
- Progress to coordinator or supervisor positions as you gain site experience.
Networking through logistics agencies and demonstrating accuracy and reliability are the fastest ways to advance.
Conclusion: Keeping Australia’s Remote Operations in Motion
FIFO logistics and materials coordinators are the unsung heroes of the resource industry. They connect the deserts of the Pilbara, the gas fields of Queensland, and the ports of Darwin through an unbroken supply chain of parts, people, and precision.
For anyone with a sharp mind for organisation, strong communication skills, and a love for operational problem-solving, this career delivers steady demand, competitive pay, and endless variety.
As long as Australia builds, mines, and powers its economy from the outback, logistics professionals will remain the ones who make it all possible.
Next Steps:
- FIFO Administration and Site Office Jobs (2025 Guide)
- Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations Course Guide
- Diploma of Logistics (TLI50221) Overview
- FIFO Warehouse and Storeperson Jobs (2025 Guide)
