- Lead biodiversity conservation, fire, and threat management programs in the iconic Kakadu National Park, driving strategic initiatives that protect nationally significant natural and cultural values.
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Work in partnership with Bininj / Mungguy Traditional Owners, scientists, government agencies, and stakeholders to deliver joint management outcomes and shape the future of conservation.
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Enjoy a diverse leadership role combining strategic planning, team leadership, and remote field operations, with opportunities to travel across the park and influence park-wide environmental programs.
Affirmative measure employment - Indigenous employment
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
If you are found suitable and offered a position, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility for affirmative measure employment when the formal written offer is made.
For more information about affirmative measure employment, see Affirmative measure for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.
Who we are
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.
Kakadu National Park is a world-heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.
The Biodiversity Conservation team is responsible for the protection of Kakadu National Park’s biodiversity assets and bio-cultural values. The section does this by providing strategic advice and support to the operations sections on fire, managing Country through a significant fire program and externally funded conservation programs; implementing significant species projects, facilitating, and supporting externally led research; data and knowledge management; and planning. The section is an important part of creating an inclusive cross-cultural working environment.
The job
The Biodiversity Conservation Manager leads Kakadu National Parks’ biodiversity, fire, and species management programs, providing strategic direction, cross cultural leadership, and expert advice while working closely with Country Operations team to plan, implement, and monitor threat management programs that protect the park’s ecological and cultural values.
The duties will include:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Provide high level leadership and strategic direction for conservation planning and programs.
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Drive implementation of biodiversity, fire, and threat management programs.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, staff, scientists, and external partners.
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Manage teams delivering joint biodiversity and fire programs with key stakeholders.
- Planning & Compliance
- Provide strategic direction for the natural resources data and GIS requirements.
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Supporting Park Management in complying with the Lease Agreement, Park Management Plan, and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) EPBC Act.
- Program Implementation & Resource Allocation
- Implement priorities in line with Park Management plan and Kakadu Board of Management decisions.
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Managing and maintaining a large budget to effectively and efficiently resource delivery of Park-wide programs.
- Policy & Advisory Support
- Provide expert advice to the Kakadu Board of Management.
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Participate in the formulation and review of Park management policies and procedures.
- Project & Contract Management
- Manage projects including planning, budgeting, contracts, and reporting.
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Ensure adherence to government policies and procedures.
- Joint Management & Cross-Cultural Work
- Actively engage and facilitate teams in joint management with Bininj Traditional Owners.
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Promote a respectful and inclusive cross-cultural workplace.
- Staff Support & Supervision
- Provide high level leadership, mentoring, and training to staff.
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Facilitate HR issues resolution, including with support of HR teams.
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Support teams through change, aligned with APS values and policies.
- Representation & Partnerships
- Represent the Park in meetings, forums, and negotiations.
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Build relationships with government bodies, academia, and Traditional Owners.
- Fieldwork & Surveys
- Support teams who organise and deliver biodiversity field surveys in remote areas.
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Willing to travel by helicopter or boat when needed.
- Workplace Health & Safety
- Promote and apply safe work practices.
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Participate in risk management and emergency response planning.
- Reporting
- Synthesise information and report on work programs and initiatives.
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Contribute to board reports and Parks Australia documentation.
- Undertake any other duties as required by the Park Manager - Operations.
Note, the role is based in a regional/remote location and may require travel across multiple sites. Some work outside standard business hours may be required to respond to operational priorities. The position involves both office-based administration and field-based inspections/coordination. Must comply with organisational policies, WHS requirements, and cultural heritage protection protocols when working in protected areas.
What you'll gain from the experience
- Advanced leadership and strategic planning skills in managing large-scale, multidisciplinary natural resource programs within a World Heritage-listed national park.
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Deep cross-cultural collaboration experience through joint management with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, enhancing cultural competency and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
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Comprehensive expertise in environmental governance and compliance, including applying the EPBC Act, overseeing biodiversity and fire management programs, and managing planning, budgeting, and reporting functions.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
- Experience in the development and implementation of biodiversity management and threat abatement programs including knowledge of biodiversity, fire, weed, and feral species management principles and policy design, implementation and evaluation.
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Interpretation of legislation and policies relevant to inform strategic planning and conservation management.
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Experience managing large budgets while delivering complex and competing priorities.
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Demonstrated effective human resource and team leadership experience including facilitating change in the workplace and being a productive member of a leadership team.
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An awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations and the ability to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of the Park as well as developing and supporting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and consideration of values and culture.
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Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills including a demonstrated ability to provide advice, consult and negotiate effectively with First Nation people, scientists and professionals, government agencies and other external bodies.
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Demonstrated capacity to facilitate Bininj/Mungguy involvement in management programs for biodiversity and threat abatement, and to mentor and train Bininj/Mungguy to be closely involved in management of biodiversity, fire, weeds, and feral species on-country.
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Understanding of Bininj / Mungguy culture will be highly regarded.
Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a
Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
- Tertiary qualifications in conservation and/or environmental management.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
