- Lead one of Australia's most iconic national parks – Provide strategic leadership for the joint management of Kakadu National Park, overseeing large-scale conservation, cultural heritage and business operations in partnership with Traditional Owners.
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Drive meaningful partnerships and Indigenous leadership – Work closely with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, the Board of Management and key stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge into park management while championing Indigenous employment and leadership pathways.
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Deliver real impact at scale – Lead a diverse, cross-cultural workforce, manage significant budgets and critical operations, and shape the long-term protection of Kakadu's world-renowned natural and cultural values.
Identified position
This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.
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 job
As Park Manager - Joint Management you will work in a coordinated dual Park Management structure with the Park Manager - Country Operations providing effective leadership and direction for up to hundred full time staff and hundred plus Bininj/Mungguy day labourers or cultural advisors/monitors delivering approximately $30 million worth of activities per year, including overseeing:
- Joint Management team function and supporting the partnership between Traditional Owners and Park Australia.
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Providing high level support for the Kakadu Board of Management, support the implementation of the Plan of Management, Board Priorities, and facilitate and coordinate regular Community/District meetings.
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Implementation of cultural resource management and cultural heritage programs.
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Providing strategic direction and advice whilst working closely with Traditional Owners and District Rangers to conserve and protect the cultural and heritage values of the Park.
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Licence and permit compliance team activities including Park fee implementation.
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The Parks business operations team, that manage finances, budget preparations, governance, procurement, workforce support and corporate services to enable the effective management of Kakadu National Park.
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Biodiversity Conservation team that leads Kakadu National Park’s biodiversity, fire, and species management programs, providing strategic direction, 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.
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Optimise safety management systems, ensure effective management of critical risks, and role-modelling safe work practices.
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Meet with Traditional Owners on country on a regular basis to champion the joint management of Kakadu National Park. Ensuring that traditional land knowledge and cultural values are integrated with modern conservation practices aligned to areas of responsibility.
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Establish and maintain effective partnerships with Traditional Owners and external stakeholders including Aboriginal Associations, Ranger groups, the Northern Land Council, the Northern Territory Government, scientific and research communities, the tourism industry, as well as other groups and individuals with interests in the management of the Park aligned to areas of responsibility.
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Manage budget and expenditure, including making joint decisions around capital and operational priorities, and ensuring compliance with requirements under the Commonwealth’s Governance and Financial legislation and frameworks.
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Mentor and develop Bininj/Mungguy assistant Park manager role in support of commitments from the Board of Management, Management Plan and Lease Agreements. Championing the succession of Indigenous workers moving from entry-level ranger roles into senior management.
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Lead and manage a large, operational, cross-cultural workforce with a strong focus on supporting staff to work effectively within the Australian Public Service framework, building capability and role-modelling agreed expectations around conduct and behaviour to maintain a mutually respectful workplace.
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Manage critical incidents on the Park including facilitation and coordination of Search and Rescue’s, road accidents and damage to property or people as a result of natural disasters.
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Ensure a safe environment for all Park staff and visitors.
What you'll gain from the experience
The Kakadu Park Manager position presents a unique opportunity to lead a culturally diverse workforce and to engage with Traditional Owners to work towards their vision for the future of the park. The ideal candidate for this position will have significant experience in conservation and land management practices, capacity building, managing day to day Park operations and the ability to communicate sensitively while operating in a complex environment.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience:
- Knowledge and understanding of cultural and social issues effecting Aboriginal people in remote locations, and the ability to use this knowledge appropriately to develop positive relationships with all Traditional Owners across the Park.
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Demonstrated experience in workforce development and improving employment outcomes for First Nations people.
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Extensive experience the wide-ranging functions of managing a National Park including protected area management; managing annual work programs and budgets; visitor experience and tourism strategies; and regulatory compliance activities.
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Demonstrated experience working within the government landscape, including management of budgets and budget processes and ensuring compliance with relevant procurement and work health and safety legislation and policies.
Skills and capabilities:
- Excellent leadership and management skills with demonstrated ability to lead and mentor culturally diverse teams and build a positive, inclusive, and cohesive workplace culture.
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Highly developed planning skills, the ability to implement complex works programs and major projects and prepare management and performance reports.
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Highly developed communication, negotiation and conflict management skills with demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Traditional Owners, Parks staff, senior managers, and a range of diverse stakeholders, including in a cross-cultural context.
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Strong prioritisation skills and the ability to make decisions in a high-pressured environment with multiple competing priorities.
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An 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.
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
