Compliance Officer

Compliance Officer – Environmental Management Charge

Townsville, QLD | Full-time | Non-Ongoing until 31 July 2026

$76,583.00 - $84,443.00 PA

Applications close Sunday 21 September 2025

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.

Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority manages the assessment and compliance with Marine Park permissions which are required under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003. Permissions are required for a variety of commercial, tourism, research, education and other activities performed within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

This position is responsible for assisting in the management and delivery of the Marine Parks permission compliance program which includes management of compliance with Environmental Management Charge (EMC) obligations. EMC is associated with most commercial activities, including tourism operations, non-tourist charter operations, and facilities operating under a permit issued by the Reef Authority. For most tourism operations, Marine Park visitors participating in a tourist activity are liable to pay the charge to the permit holder, who then remits the charge to the Reef Authority. Permit holders then lodge quarterly tourism visitation data (logbooks) through EMC Online.

The position works closely with internal compliance and application assessment teams, external government agencies and the tourism and reef research industries to support positive compliance outcomes.

The position assists with the management of reef-wide desktop and field audits across all Marine Park permission types, preparation of official correspondence such as advisory letters and audit reports, researching and analysing reports of non-compliance relating to permit compliance.

• Contribute to the long-term protection and sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef
• Be part of a high-performing and inclusive team
• Work closely with tourism, research and government stakeholders
• Apply your skills in compliance, policy interpretation and stakeholder engagement
• Gain experience in desktop and field audits across the Marine Park

• A problem-solving mindset with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage competing tasks and meet timeframes
• Capacity to interpret and apply relevant legislation and policy, ideally in a marine context
• Experience in negotiation, relationship and stakeholder management
• Resilience, a strong sense of duty, and a collaborative approach
• Confidence in preparing official correspondence and audit documentation
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement of practices and procedures

Ready to make a difference for the Reef?

If you're detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about environmental compliance, we encourage you to apply today.