Project Officer - Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program
APS4
Townsville
Specified term 2 years from appointment; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 23 August, 2026 11:59pm AEST
The Position
We are seeking an administration professional to provide business, contract management & governance support services to the Reef Interventions section. The Reef Interventions work program includes oversight and coordination of strategic planning, management and reporting for the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program, and collaboration with the Reef Restoration Adaptation Program (RRAP). Key tasks for this role include contract development and management, data entry and quality assurance, secretariat duties, as well as input to strategic planning, development of communication outputs, engagement with Traditional Owners, partners and stakeholders. The position will assist the ongoing effective delivery of COTS control operations and coral restoration trials within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
What you'll do
- Provide administrative support to COTS Control Program project and contract management.
- Deliver secretariat support for COTS Control Program governance, planning and operations meetings and workshops.
- Contribute to the review and development of program manuals, guidelines, reports, and other relevant documents.
- Assist with management, entry, and quality control of COTS Control Program data.
- Work constructively with Reef Interventions section staff and contribute to cross-sectional projects, emerging issues, and corporate planning as part of a broader team.
What you'll bring
- You are a natural problem solver, a doer, and are known for seeing things through.
- You work independently to complete tasks under general guidance and supervision.
- You are logical, well-organised, and have an eye for detail.
- You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You can effectively work under pressure and balance competing priorities.
- You enjoy being part of a cohesive and high performing team.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jo Baker, Project Manager - COTS Control Program, Mobile: 0414 543 745
Why join the Reef Authority?
At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.
You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
Essential Requirements
To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.
While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.
Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.
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 non-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.
