- Shape and deliver risk-based compliance strategies that protect Australia’s iconic marine parks
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Lead influential collaborations across government to drive coordinated regulatory outcomes
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Join a collaborative team blending risk and contract management, compliance planning and innovative thinking to deliver positive impacts in marine parks
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 Marine and Island Parks Branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance. Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks protect the diversity of life in our oceans – from astonishing coral reefs in our tropical seas to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains in temperate marine regions.
The Authorisations and Compliance Section is responsible for managing the compliance program across Australia's marine park estate. The Section develops risk assessments and compliance plans, works with State and Commonwealth compliance partners, undertakes investigations, trials innovative compliance monitoring technology and assesses marine park permit and licence applications.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
Key duties include:
- Undertake compliance risk assessments related to Australian Marine Parks, including the development and implementation of Network-level compliance plans and treatments for identified risks.
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Undertake procurement and contract management for compliance services across Australian Marine Parks, including the development of compliance risk profiles for high-risk activities and areas.
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Maintain and utilise regulatory systems to support risk-based operations and contribute to monitoring and reporting.
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Manage authorised officer registrations and processes, including online resources.
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Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of compliance policies, procedures, and operational practices.
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Represent Parks Australia in meetings, briefings and external forums, building strong professional relationships and promoting compliance objectives.
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Manage competing priorities and workloads, delivering high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and regulatory environment.
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Provide timely, accurate advice to internal stakeholders and decision-makers on compliance risk and regulatory approaches.
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Liaise and collaborate with Commonwealth, state and territory agencies, as well as industry, community groups and marine park users to support coordinated regulatory outcomes.
What you’ll gain from the experience
- Develop deep expertise in risk-based compliance and regulatory practice, applying your skills to complex, real-world environmental challenges across Australia’s marine park networks.
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Build end-to-end capability across strategy, procurement, contract management and operational delivery in a dynamic regulatory environment.
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Strengthen your stakeholder engagement and influencing skills through collaboration with Commonwealth, state and territory agencies and internal partners.
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Gain experience providing high-quality advice on compliance risk and regulatory approaches.
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Expand your capability in systems-based monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement of policies and operational practices.
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Thrive in a supportive, high-performing team that values collaboration, professionalism and continuous learning.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience
- Experience in compliance, regulation, or enforcement—ideally in an environmental, natural resource management or government context.
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Demonstrated experience applying risk-based approaches, including conducting risk assessments and developing treatments or plans to address identified risks.
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Experience working with, or the ability to quickly build understanding of, procurement and/or contract management principles, particularly for service delivery in operational or regulatory settings.
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Understanding of regulatory frameworks, governance requirements and the role of compliance in achieving policy and legislative outcomes.
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Experience contributing to policy, procedural or operational improvements in a complex organisation.
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Experience working with, or the ability to quickly build understanding of, data and systems used for monitoring, reporting and operational decision-making.
Skills and capabilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical advice.
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Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
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Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to prepare briefings to decision-makers.
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High level of organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing processes, records and compliance-related systems.
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of a professional, supportive team and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Desirable qualifications
- Certificate IV in Government Investigations, or the ability to obtain one would be desirable for the position.
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
