A FIFO camp is more than just accommodation. It’s a fully functioning town, complete with kitchens, laundries, gyms, utilities, and logistics systems, operating in some of the most remote parts of Australia.
Behind the scenes, every meal served, every bus scheduled, and every room cleaned happens under the watch of one key role: the Camp Manager or Site Supervisor.
These professionals are the operational heartbeat of remote living. They coordinate staff, handle budgets, maintain safety standards, and ensure that hundreds (sometimes thousands) of workers can live comfortably while keeping mining or energy projects running smoothly.
In 2025, camp management has become one of the most strategic and well-paid leadership paths in the FIFO world.
1. What a FIFO Camp Manager or Site Supervisor Actually Does
Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the entire camp, including accommodation, catering, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Manage multi-department teams (kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, logistics, and administration).
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety, food handling, and environmental standards.
- Coordinate transport and logistics for fly-in and fly-out schedules.
- Maintain budget control, procurement, and supplier relationships.
- Handle resident welfare, conflict resolution, and staff rostering.
- Liaise directly with mining or construction clients to meet service level agreements (SLAs).
- Manage emergencies, evacuations, and site shutdown procedures.
- Conduct audits on safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency.
For Site Supervisors
Site supervisors often act as second-in-command. They directly oversee frontline teams and report to the camp manager or area operations manager. Their role blends hands-on leadership with administration and logistics.
2. What a FIFO Camp Looks Like in Operation
A large-scale camp functions like a resort or small township. A single camp can house:
- 500 to 2,000 workers
- 24/7 catering services
- On-site medical and emergency response teams
- Recreation facilities (gyms, bars, movie rooms)
- Laundry, waste, and maintenance services
Each department has a team leader — kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, transport — and all report back to the camp manager. On major projects, two or more managers rotate shifts to maintain constant supervision.
3. Industries That Employ Camp Managers
| Sector | Example Employers | Typical Worksites |
|---|---|---|
| Mining & Resources | BHP, Rio Tinto, FMG, Glencore, South32 | Iron ore, coal, and gold camps |
| Oil & Gas | Santos, Woodside, INPEX, Chevron | LNG plants, gas compression sites |
| Construction & Infrastructure | CPB Contractors, Downer, Thiess | Major rail, highway, and energy projects |
| Facilities Management | Sodexo, Compass Group (ESS), Morris Corp | Camp operations and logistics contracts |
| Renewables & Energy | Neoen, APA Group | Solar and wind project camps |
Many camp management positions are subcontracted through facility management giants like Sodexo or Compass Group, who hold long-term contracts with resource companies.
4. Where These Jobs Are Based
Western Australia
- Pilbara: Camps in Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman, and Paraburdoo regularly require camp managers overseeing 500–1,500 residents.
- Goldfields: Remote gold and lithium projects around Kalgoorlie and Leinster employ dual camp supervisors due to scale and distance.
Queensland
- Bowen Basin: Coal and gas projects near Moranbah, Dysart, and Emerald have long-term contracts through ESS, Sodexo, and Morris Corp.
- Surat Basin: LNG and energy projects near Roma and Chinchilla rely on seasoned supervisors who manage both construction and operational phases.
South Australia
- Olympic Dam and Prominent Hill require on-site management for large permanent camps with integrated services.
Northern Territory
- Darwin LNG and Gove Peninsula: Remote coastal locations with high logistical complexity, managed by facility contractors under strict service agreements.
New South Wales / Victoria
- Temporary DIDO or FIFO camps supporting renewable energy projects near Broken Hill, Bendigo, and Lithgow.
5. Required Qualifications and Skills
Essential
- Certificate IV or Diploma in Hospitality Management, Business, or Leadership.
- White Card (CPCWHS1001).
- Current First Aid and CPR certification.
- Proven experience in hospitality, logistics, or facilities coordination.
- National Police Clearance.
Highly Valued
- Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420).
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (BSB41419).
- Food Safety Supervisor Certification.
- Budget and procurement management training.
- Fire Warden and Emergency Response training.
Core Skills
- Leadership and team motivation in remote environments.
- Strong understanding of WHS regulations.
- Financial acumen and supplier negotiation.
- Workforce planning and conflict management.
- Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
- Capability to multitask under pressure while maintaining service quality.
6. Pay, Conditions, and Rosters
| Position | Hourly Rate | Annual Range | Typical Roster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant / Relief Camp Manager | $45–$55 | $100,000–$120,000 | 2:1 or 8:6 |
| Site Supervisor | $55–$70 | $120,000–$145,000 | 14:7 or 8:6 |
| Camp Manager | $75–$95 | $150,000–$180,000 | 2:1 |
| Area / Regional Manager | $100–$130 | $180,000–$220,000 | 2:1 or 3:1 |
Camps under oil and gas contracts typically pay at the higher end, especially where logistics and security requirements are more complex.
7. Typical Day as a Camp Manager
Morning (5:30–8:00am):
Review overnight reports, staff rosters, and catering numbers. Walk through the dining area, check cleaning schedules, and hold a quick safety briefing.
Midday (11:00am–2:00pm):
Coordinate with logistics for incoming flights or bus transfers. Meet with department heads to resolve supply or maintenance issues. Update the budget tracker and procurement orders.
Afternoon (3:00–6:00pm):
Conduct client or corporate calls, review compliance documentation, and oversee afternoon meal service. Walk the camp to ensure standards are upheld across all areas.
Evening:
Prepare shift handover notes for the night manager and review upcoming swing rosters.
A successful camp manager keeps every system moving — from catering to compliance — with minimal disruption and maximum morale.
8. Leading Employers
- Sodexo Australia – manages over 40 remote camps nationwide.
- Compass Group (ESS) – one of the largest FIFO camp operators.
- Morris Corporation – specialises in remote workforce accommodation.
- Ventia – manages multi-service contracts including defence, energy, and mining.
- Downer Group / Spotless – provide long-term facilities management for major resource projects.
- Cater Care – hospitality-focused remote camp operator.
Most recruitment occurs through corporate job portals or SEEK, though many management hires are promoted internally from utility or supervisor roles.
9. Career Pathways and Progression
Entry Routes
- Utility Worker → Department Supervisor → Site Supervisor → Camp Manager.
- Chef or Catering Manager → Camp Manager.
- Maintenance Supervisor or Housekeeping Lead → Site Operations Manager.
Progression
- Camp Manager → Area Manager → Regional Operations Manager → National Operations Director.
- Alternatively, move laterally into Safety, Procurement, or Contract Management positions.
Further Study
- Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management.
- Diploma of Work Health and Safety.
- Graduate Certificate in Business (Project or Facilities Management).
Leadership programs run by Sodexo, Compass Group, and Ventia are common career accelerators for internal staff.
10. Lifestyle and Work Environment
Advantages
- Strong salaries with clear leadership status.
- Free accommodation, meals, and flights.
- Opportunities to lead diverse teams across Australia.
- Structured rosters with significant downtime between swings.
Challenges
- High responsibility across multiple departments.
- Long shifts with minimal room for error.
- Remote isolation and complex staff dynamics.
- Constant demand for consistent service and safety performance.
Camp managers thrive on variety — each day brings new logistical, operational, and human challenges.
11. How to Get Started
- Gain experience in hospitality, logistics, or facilities coordination.
- Complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Hospitality or Leadership.
- Obtain a White Card, First Aid, and Food Safety Supervisor qualification.
- Apply for entry-level FIFO roles such as Utility Worker or Supervisor.
- Progress internally by demonstrating leadership, reliability, and WHS awareness.
- Once experienced, apply for camp management or area coordination roles with major contractors.
Conclusion: Leadership in the Outback
Camp managers and site supervisors are the backbone of Australia’s FIFO lifestyle. They keep remote sites functioning like clockwork, ensuring food is served, rooms are cleaned, and safety standards never slip.
This career demands leadership, resilience, and a calm hand under pressure. But for those who thrive on organisation, teamwork, and responsibility, it’s one of the most rewarding and respected jobs in the resource sector.
Whether you’re managing a 300-person exploration camp or a 2,000-bed mining village, the success of every worker’s day begins and ends with you.
Next Steps:
- Diploma of Leadership and Management Course Guide
- FIFO Utility Worker Jobs (The All-Rounder Role Explained)
- FIFO Safety Officer and WHS Coordinator Jobs (2025 Guide)
- G2 Risk Management for Supervisors
