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 Permits, Licenses and Assessments Section is responsible for the regulation of activities in Kakadu National Park to protect its natural and cultural values and ensure that activities are consistent with relevant legislation and the park’s Joint Management arrangements with its Traditional Owners. The section does this by managing all permits, licenses, and other authorisation processes in Kakadu; assessing the impact of proposed activities and making recommendations to decision makers. The section consults broadly and coordinates expert advice from other sections in Kakadu, the Traditional Owners and key stakeholders in the park.
The job
The Kakadu Permit and Research Support Officer receive and processes all scientific research permits in Kakadu National Park. The role engages Bininj/Mungguy and Kakadu stakeholders during the processing of general and research permit applications. The Kakadu Permit and Research Support Officer is pivotal in regulating research in the park and provides an important coordination role – facilitating connection between Bininj/Mungguy, researchers and other permit applicants, and Parks staff. The Kakadu Permit and Research Support Officer also deliver secretariat support to the Bininj/Mungguy Research Advisory Committee and facilitates Bininj/Mungguy to take part in research occurring on Country. Through regular and ongoing communication, the Kakadu Permit and Research Support Officer help to ensure that Bininj/Mungguy understand what is happening in Kakadu and that those activities (building, research, business etc.) are done the right way.
Duties will include:
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Receive and process research permits.
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Undertaking consultation with Traditional Owners on general and research permit applications.
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Facilitating Bininj/Mungguy participation in on-Country research.
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Facilitating permit applicants to undertake their permitted activities on park and report back to Traditional Owners their findings.
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Assessing general and research permit applications, as required.
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Providing secretariat services to the Bininj/Mungguy Research Advisory Committee, including making agendas, taking meeting minutes, coordinating presenters, scheduling meetings.
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Maintaining record keeping and data management systems.
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Supporting Park programs (such as biodiversity monitoring, cultural activities) as required, which may include logistical support, preparation of equipment/supplies, and participating in field work.
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Supporting the Kakadu Futures, Planning and Permits projects as required, including:
- the next Kakadu plan of management
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regional Country-based planning
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reviewing environmental impact assessments.
What you'll gain from the experience
Gain valuable experience working collaboratively with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, researchers, stakeholders, and park staff in one of Australia’s most significant national parks, Kakadu National Park. The role offers opportunities to develop skills in environmental and research regulation, stakeholder engagement, permit and project coordination, committee support, cultural consultation, and on-Country field work. Candidates will also build an understanding of joint management, cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, and government planning processes within a unique and culturally significant environment.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience
An awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations and the ability to develop relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and consideration of values and culture, including the ability to consult and negotiate sensitively and effectively with Bininj/Mungguy.
Skills and capabilities
- Proven organisational and time management skills, including:
- Excellent data management and electronic document handling skills
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An ability to prioritise and manage a range of different demands.
- Demonstrated good verbal and written communication skills including:
- Communicating and working with Bininj/Mungguy and their representative groups in a culturally sensitive way, that creates trust and fosters mutual respect, to jointly ensure that permit applications are assessed appropriately
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Liaising effectively with internal and external stakeholders including researchers
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Preparing documents such as newsletters, briefs, social media posts, and correspondence
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Be able to communicate professionally via email and phone.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, including:
- Sharing your experience of navigating Bininj/Mungguy Traditional decision-making processes
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Listening carefully and respecting the views of others, even if they are different to yours
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Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of others
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Willingness to learn about corporate and public service systems and process.
Desirable qualifications
- Science, land management, or similar field.
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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Note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.
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.
