Assistant Director - Workplace Relations and Safety
EL1
Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 5 July 2026, 11:59pm AEST
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.
Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.
The Position
We are seeking an experienced human resource (HR) professional to join our People Services team. The Assistant Director – Workplace Relations and Safety is responsible for leading a small team of subject matter experts (workplace relations, workplace health and safety (WHS), and diving operations) who build and maintain effective relationships with clients and stakeholders to deliver pragmatic and timely advice and support, aligned with relevant legislative and policy frameworks.
To be successful in this role, you will be a leader and team player, working closely and collaboratively with the broader People Services team, along with a diverse network of clients and stakeholders. With a strong focus on collaboration and client service, the role builds effective relationships, identifies continuous improvement initiatives, and supports the delivery of responsive and future-focused HR solutions which align with APS legislative and policy frameworks.
The position leads and manages primary reviews of action and complex casework involving workplace complaints, misconduct, performance and behavioural concerns.
You will also support the Reef Authority’s participation in enterprise bargaining (once initiated), including preparing negotiation materials; engaging with stakeholders; participating in negotiations; providing advice; preparing relevant correspondence, documentation, and communications; and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and policy frameworks.
In addition, the role supports the development, consultation, and implementation of employment policies, procedures and guidance materials. The incumbent also develops and delivers education and training programs for people managers and employees on a range of matters – such as the APS Code of Conduct and Values, respect at work, and appropriate workplace behaviours.
About You
- You are an experienced leader with a demonstrated ability to manage a small, high-performing team of professionals managing competing priorities.
- You achieve results and quality outcomes by showing initiative and leadership, leading and working in a small team delivering multiple activities, often within tight timeframes.
- You possess strong knowledge and understanding of contemporary workplace relations legislation, policy, and compliance frameworks (preferably in the APS), with the ability to provide specialist advice and undertake case management across a range of employment-related matters of varying complexity, including misconduct, suspensions, diminished performance and conduct, employee grievances/disputes, abandonment of employment, and return to work and rehabilitation matters.
- You have sound investigation skills, supported by excellent judgment, problem-solving ability, initiative, and strong analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling you to make sound, pragmatic, and legally defensible decisions and recommendations.
- You have well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly, accurately, and succinctly, and to confidently engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
- You demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a client- and solution-focused approach, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
- You have demonstrated capability in developing and delivering education and training programs for people managers and employees.
- You show a growth mindset with a willingness to continue to learn and develop, and foster an environment for team members to do the same.
- You consistently demonstrate professional ethical standards and personal integrity.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Fiona Macdonald, Director - People Services | [email protected]
How to apply
Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.
Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
- how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
- how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.
When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.
Please complete your application online and provide:
- your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
- proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
- a current curriculum vitae (resume)
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
- The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.
