Assistant Director

Assistant Director Science, Government and Ports

EL1

Townsville

Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time

Applications close Wednesday 19 November 2025, 11:59pm AEST

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 Position

We are seeking an executive professional to join our team working to protect the Marine Park whilst providing for a range of user experiences varying from major projects and tourism activities to research and reef restoration and adaptation activities. The position is responsible for leading a team undertaking environmental impact assessments for proposed activities in and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by administering the permissions system.

About You

• You have strategic vision and are able to motivate and inspire others.
• You are a leader who sets the pace through your actions and expectations.
• You thrive under pressure, have an eye for detail and don't get flustered when faced with competing priorities.
• You are an effective communicator who recognises the ideas and contributions of others.
• You value collaboration and the need for engagement to achieve effective outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the operations of a permissions program including the development, implementation and evaluation of annual operating plans and the associated management of resources.
• Lead a team conducting complex environmental assessments for permissions within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including the provision of technical guidance for the team and the development of staff competencies required to meet strategic objectives.
• Interpret and apply legislation and exercise delegations as required.
• Report and provide high-level advice and recommendations to Senior Management and stakeholders on permissions related issues.
• Liaise, consult and negotiate with stakeholders relating to permissions, including representing the Authority to build and nurture internal and external relationships to enhance business outcomes such as participation in project/working groups as required.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Julia Chandler, Director Environmental Assessment and Protection,

Eligibility

The successful candidate will have tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or a minimum of five-year's relevant experience.

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

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:

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.

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:

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.