Are you an Arthroplasty and Sports Knee fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon looking for real work life balance, 300 days of sunshine a year, minimal commute or traffic jams, outdoor activities on your doorstep including camping, fishing, hiking, 4WD and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef? Then this is the job you’ve been waiting for.

Join our friendly team of subspecialists at Rockhampton Hospital and continue to grow our Orthopaedic service for the Central Queensland community. With a competitive salary including regional incentives, as well as excellent schools, a multitude of sports clubs, reasonably priced housing with space aplenty, and Brisbane only an hour’s flight away, Rockhampton offers a fantastic location to progress your career.

Job details

Join a friendly, cohesive team of subspecialists dedicated to excellence and mutual support. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide a specialist elective and trauma knee service, encompassing both primary and revision arthroplasty. You will work in a modern theatre complex across Rockhampton and Gladstone, supported by a dedicated physiotherapy team and a robust group of AOA trainees and junior doctors. Beyond the theatre, you will find a workplace culture that treats you like family and invests deeply in your professional growth and personal well-being.

About us:

Rockhampton Hospital is a 305-bed main referral hub for Central Queensland, offering a comprehensive suite of specialist services including intensive care and oncology. The Orthopaedic Department is a supportive "work family" comprising subspecialists in everything from spine to foot and ankle surgery. Our facility serves as a critical teaching site for the University of Queensland, ensuring a vibrant environment of continuous learning and clinical excellence.

About the role:

• Provide specialist elective and trauma knee services, including primary/revision arthroplasty and soft tissue sports knee surgery.
• Contribute to general orthopaedic trauma management and participate in the 1:7 consultant on-call roster.
• Lead and supervise AOA SET trainees, Principal House Officers, and medical students.
• Deliver orthopaedic services through both on-site clinics and innovative telehealth programs across the region.
• Engage in departmental research, clinical audits, and Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meetings to drive quality improvement.
• Foster strong multidisciplinary relationships, particularly with the physiotherapy and nursing teams, to ensure seamless patient care.

About you:

• You hold an MBBS or equivalent and are eligible for specialist registration in Orthopaedic Surgery with AHPRA.
• You possess Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• You have extensive clinical experience in orthopaedic surgery, with a preferred focus on knee arthroplasty and soft tissue sports knee surgery.
• You are a collaborative leader who can direct complex patient care from admission through to discharge.
• You demonstrate a proven commitment to medical education and the ability to mentor the next generation of clinical staff.
• You bring a research-oriented mindset with an interest in participating in projects and publications.
• You align with the values of continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice.

What we offer:

Total remuneration value of up to $550,085 p.a. is comprised of:

• A salary rate between $259,072 - $274,678 p.a. (L25 – L27)
• A salary rate between $216,643 - $251,642 p.a. (L18 – L24)
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading

Additional Benefits:

• Professional Development Leave and Allowances ($22,145 p.a. / 3.6 Weeks)
• Overtime and on call allowances
• Attraction and Retention Incentive Allowance
• Generous Salary Sacrificing
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Fitness Passport

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements:

It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases as listed on the Role Description.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Your current CV or resume, including referees.
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing how your experience, skills and values align with the key responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Role Description.
• Any additional forms / evidence as attached or listed on the Role Description.

For assistance:

1. Contact Senior Medical Workforce: cqhhssmorecruit@health.qld.gov.au
2. Quote the Job Ad Reference (JAR) RK6D680691

If this sounds like the exciting opportunity you have been waiting for, or you have any further questions, please get in touch with the Clinical Director – Dr Ruth Varrall at ruth.varrall@health.qld.gov.au or via her secretary Gabby on (07) 4920 6950.

Applications close: Wednesday, 27 May 2026

#Rockhampton

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF file types are supported. Files must be a maximum of 2MB each.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• RK6D680691 - Senior Staff Specialist, Staff Specialist - Orthopaedics (PDF)
  
  CQHHS Senior Medical Candidate Document Guide (PDF)
  
  Information for Applicants (PDF)