Project Officer Park Operations

APS 6 - $88,408 - $100,378 per annum plus superannuation
- Parks Australia Division
- Uluru-kata tjuta National Park
- Share the Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park and encourage the participation of traditional owners and other indigenous people in all natural heritage programs.
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff.
- Work with Indigenous staff and stakeholders that speak Pitjantjatjara and/or Yankunytjatjara as a first language.

**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.

Beyond the spinifex sand plains of arid central Australia lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 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. This branch also manages a rich and fascinating range of island ecosystems and habitats, including oceanic Pulu Keeling, Norfolk and Christmas Island National Parks.

This position works closely with and takes direction from the Manager Park Operations to achieve outcomes implementing capital and R&M projects as well as procurement and contract management.

**Work Environment**
Share the Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park and encourage the participation of traditional owners and other indigenous people in all natural heritage programs; and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and work with Indigenous staff and stakeholders that speak Pitjantjatjara and/or Yankunytjatjara as a first language.

**The Job**
In accordance with the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Management Plan and Board of Managements vision, under the direction of the Manager Park Operations, carry out, coordinate and administer infrastructure projects and repairs and maintenance projects.
- Implement priority infrastructure projects, repairs and maintenance contracts and like for like replacements.
- Prepare reports regarding infrastructure projects outcomes.
- Provide strategic analysis, support and advice to park management and contractors.
- Undertake Contract, procurement and Project Management in accordance with the Departments policies, guidelines and frameworks, including monitoring and maintaining financials within the projects and contracts.

Lead, influence and collaborate within the team and across sections in pursuit of team goals, being adaptable and receptive to new ideas and adjust easily to changing work demands.

**Please note** that this position is available for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum period of 3 years in total.

**What we are looking for**
- The APS Values, APS Code of Conduct and APS Employment Principles
- The principles of equity and workplace diversity
- Workplace health and safety and
- The duties and qualifications (if mandatory) for the role/s.

**Knowledge and experience**
- Awareness of cultural and other issues affecting aboriginal communities and be able to demonstrate a capacity to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
- Demonstrated experience in Project management.
- Demonstrated experience in:

- contract management
- decision making including planning and problem solving
- Work Health and Safety policies and guidelines
- An understanding of government procurement practices, procedures