- Work hands-on in one of Australia’s most iconic World Heritage locations, contributing to the protection of natural and cultural values while engaging in meaningful joint management with Traditional Owners.
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Be part of a dynamic, outdoor-focused role that combines conservation work, visitor engagement, emergency response (including fire and search and rescue), and varied field operations across a remote landscape.
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Build valuable skills and experience in compliance and land management within a cross-cultural environment that offers diverse challenges and strong professional development opportunities.
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.
Beyond the spinifex sand plains of arid central Australia lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 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. This branch also manages a rich and fascinating range of island ecosystems and habitats, including oceanic Pulu Keeling, Norfolk and Christmas Island National Parks.
The Operations Team is responsible for park patrols, emergency and law enforcement responses and land and infrastructure management.
The job
- Implementing natural and cultural resource management and visitor management programs.
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Participating in incident response operations such as fire suppression and search and rescues.
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Undertaking Park patrols including early, late and weekend shifts.
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Working within a team in a cross-cultural and remote outdoor environment.
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Exercising compliance and enforcement duties under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Regulations, and;
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Implementing government policies on Work Health Safety, Workplace Diversity and Workplace Participation.
What you'll gain from the experience
This role offers a unique and highly rewarding opportunity to work in one of Australia’s most remote and ecologically significant environments. You will gain hands-on experience implementing conservation, visitor management and compliance activities within a culturally rich and remote setting. Working as part of a collaborative, cross-cultural team, you will contribute to field operations, emergency response and Park management programs. Living and working at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park provides a once-in-a-career opportunity to build your practical skills and broaden your experience in community-based Park management.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience:
- An awareness of issues affecting First Nations people in remote locations, and a capacity to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of a dual listed World Heritage National Park.
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Experience in protected area management including implementing management programs, incident management and infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
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Experience in supervision, limited to task allocation and organisation, monitoring quality of work, on the job training and provision of advice and guidance on procedural matters.
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Experience in emergency response, compliance and work health and safety and an ability to implement systems and processes which accurately reflect corporate and legal requirements.
Skills and capabilities:
- Ability to work in a team environment and a culturally diverse workplace.
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Excellent communication skills including the ability to liaise, consult, negotiate and manage conflict with internal and external stakeholders.
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Well-developed written communication skills.
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Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy operational environment.
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Ability to ensure compliance with procurement and work health and safety legislation and policies.
Desirable qualifications
- Qualifications and/or experience in protected area management and/or emergency management.
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Law enforcement authority under the EPBC Act or the ability to obtain this.
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MR licence.
Additional requirements
- Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
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Hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
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Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.
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Meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed.
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Note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.
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Note that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position(s).
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Note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
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Note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours.
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Note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
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The ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check.
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Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy.
Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
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
