- Manage a complex project to improve the capability and delivery of the Australian National Species List
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Work with a passionate and dedicated team of IT experts, taxonomists and biodiversity information practitioners
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Build your skills in procurement, team management, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving
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.
The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels.
Our work includes:
- Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia.
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Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving.
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Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans.
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Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants.
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Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes.
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Facilitating research and science capacity building and education.
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Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation.
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Climate adaption and policy for Parks Australia.
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Evaluation and reporting to understand management effectiveness and performance of our parks, gardens and agency.
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Data and information systems services for Parks Australia.
The Biodiversity Science and Knowledge Section comprises four teams:
- Australian Biological Resources Study
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Bush Blitz
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Biodiversity Informatics
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Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research.
Our team is dedicated to the science of taxonomy and systematics. We do this by facilitating research in the field, supporting researchers and building capacity, providing authoritative fundamental data on nomenclature and taxonomy for Australian species of plants, animals and fungi, performing research on taxonomy, systematics and conservation of Australian species (particularly plants), public outreach and education, and curating over 1.2 million plant specimens in the Australian National Herbarium.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
The Project Manager will be responsible for leading the Australian National Species List (NSL) uplift program. The role will coordinate and manage work packages for taxonomy harmonisation, data architecture, platform delivery, governance, and elicit specialist expert input to deliver improvements to data services and end-user experience. The Project Manager will be expected to work across science, data, and technical teams, and to communicate project outcomes to senior stakeholders and external partners. The role will be fast-paced: the Project Manager will be responsible for formulating a work plan within the first month of commencement, with work packages to start within three months, delivering the project in 18 months, and leading a six-month transition to business-as-usual.
Key responsibilities
- Work effectively with management to provide strategic direction and leadership for the NSL uplift program. This may include designing and implementing programs of work, management of contractors and staff, and liaising with stakeholders.
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Work with scientific and technical stakeholders to translate taxonomic and user needs requirements into deliverable work plans and ensure that program outputs are both scientifically credible and practically usable.
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Coordinate and prioritise work packages which may include strategic positioning and governance, database architecture, data delivery and interoperability, migration of data between different database architectures, and website and user experience redesign.
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Manage relationships with external partners, including research institutions, data providers, and technical vendors, to ensure successful delivery of all services and outputs.
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Lead the transition of the program of work into the business-as-usual NSL work through development of a new operating model for NSL including governance, data stewardship, and release management practices.
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Oversee risk, benefits, and issue management for the program, and provide regular reporting to senior management and oversight bodies.
What you’ll gain from the experience
- You'll gain experience in managing and coordinating a complex project to deliver critical uplift to a national digital infrastructure biodiversity dataset.
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You'll improve your skills in managing time, staff and stakeholder engagement, and contribute to governance and setting priorities for work packages.
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You'll hone your understanding of biodiversity informatics, data standards and handling of taxonomic data.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience
- Demonstrated expertise in a relevant field, e.g., complex project management, biodiversity informatics and/or software engineering.
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Familiarity with biodiversity informatics, data standards and handling, data management, and presentation of taxonomic data in accessible ways.
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Excellent ability to identify emerging opportunities and engage effectively with collaborators.
Skills and capabilities
- Evidence of effectively communicating in written and oral settings, to a wide range of audiences, and demonstrated ability to explain complex or technical concepts clearly.
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Ability to effectively manage and prioritise tasks.
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Demonstrated ability to manage staff and external vendors/contractors and keep projects on track.
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Demonstrated ability to work collegially as a member of a team and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Desirable qualifications
- Qualifications in project management
Eligibility and other requirements
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.
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
