Compliance Officer
APS4
Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Wednesday 16th September 2026, 11:59pm AEST
The Position
We are seeking an experienced compliance professional to join our small team. This position works as a part of the Compliance Assessment Team within the Reef Joint Field Management Program for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, which is jointly funded and managed by the Australian and Queensland Governments. This is an office-based role.
The Compliance Assessment Team undertakes key administrative functions including supporting the investigations and field operations teams within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Field activities are delivered across the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park (State) and Island National Parks (State), which are part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The position has a team focus, providing support to the Reef Joint Field Management Program through the assessment of reported offences, the administration of supporting systems, and the management of information and databases to support field surveillance operations and investigations.
What you'll do
- Assess reported offences occurring in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and undertake administrative tasks in relation to reports of offences.
- Perform accurate data entry into databases whilst undertaking quality assurance checks to ensure the accuracy, consistency and reliability of information.
- Monitor, extract and present data from databases, including the compliance database and vessel tracking system, and other systems to assist in the identification of offences, trends, and to provide support for field surveillance operations, investigations or other internal stakeholders.
- Assist in the roles of Exhibit Officer and Accountable Documents Officer by recording and managing evidence and documents relating to court proceedings and issuing, receiving and auditing accountable books.
- Provide broad general section support including assisting with projects and training as required.
- Engage and consult effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
What you'll bring
- You thrive under pressure, have an eye for detail and don’t get flustered when faced with competing priorities.
- You will be proficient in administration tasks including drafting and reviewing internal and outbound correspondence, working with spreadsheets and databases including building queries and extracting data.
- You will have, or be able to quickly acquire, knowledge of environmental compliance and enforcement strategies.
- You have the ability to interpret and apply legislation and policy.
- You possess sound judgement and decision making skills.
- You enjoy being part of a cohesive team.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jo Berry, Assistant Director Compliance Monitoring; 07 4726 0577
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 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.
