Program Manager

Cape York NRM is seeking a dedicated and passionate Program Manager - Landscapes & Monitoring  to play a pivotal role in driving the organisation's mission and strategic objectives.  This position provides an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment, communities, and sustainable development across one of Australia's most unique and diverse regions.

The role will lead the Cape York Landscape Repair Program which focuses on reducing sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef. The position will also oversee the Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture Program, supporting farmers and graziers to adopt sustainable land management practices that improve productivity, reduce emissions, and build resilience to a changing climate.

Working closely with the CEO, this position supports all aspects of the organisation's operations and has overarching responsibility for managing contracts, partnerships, and cooperative working relationships with key stakeholders. These include program investors such as the Australian Government, Queensland Government agencies, local government, Traditional Owner groups, landholders, consultants, researchers, and other regional partners.

The position is responsible for the day to day operations management of staff in order for them to carry out their duties and deliver on contractual requirements of grants being held by Cape York NRM and build sustainable NRM programs with the Cape York Peninsula community.

The Program Manager will contribute to the achievement of the organisation's objectives through inspiring leadership, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of Cape York NRM's regional NRM Plan, consistent with the organisation's values and guiding principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Program Delivery team  to implement the Cape York Landscape Repair and Climate- Smart Sustainable Agriculture programs, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• Delivery of all program reports, including financials, while maintaining strong communication and relationship with funders.
• Develop the team through training, coaching and mentoring, while enhancing the systems and tools that support program delivery.
• Support the team to plan and deliver innovative extension activities, knowledge transfer, and communications.
• Compliance with all legal and contractual obligations.
• Maintain respectful, open and effective relationships with the CEO, members of the Leadership  Team and reporting staff.
• Provide the CEO with timely, accurate and relevant information; provide prompt advice regarding any adverse developments in relation to the organisation and its operating environment.
• Contribute to the development of operational policies, plans and business recommendations and present them to the CEO.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, community groups, First Nations and aligned industry partners to identify partnership opportunities and strategically leverage current programs to optimise delivery and business outcomes.

Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Project Management, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Proven experience in senior management within a funded not-for-profit or similar organisation, with responsibility for program and project development, strategic and operational planning, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and monitor multiple programs to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and leading a high performing, diverse team through fostering strong performance and constructively navigating challenges as they arise.
• Comprehensive understanding of natural resource management issues and experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental or NRM programs and projects.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across government, community, industry, and media sectors.

• Understanding of Natural Resource Management issues, processes and the role of community and business in Natural Resource Management.
• Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Suite products and Google Docs).
• Must hold a Current Australian Class C driver's licence
• Ability to work flexible hours, i.e. out-of-ordinary hours and weekends, as this role may require frequent remote area travel.
• A current Blue Card and criminal history check are required before the commencement of employment
• Legal right to work in Australia (citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa).

Desirable

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organisations on Cape York Peninsula.
• Experience working and/or living on Cape York Peninsula would be an advantage.
• Four-wheel drive vehicle experience

How to apply

To view the full Position Description and selection criteria please visit

Your application for this position will need to include:

• A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining why you are a suitable candidate for this role (show your personality)
• A document clearly addressing the selection criteria
• A current resume

Please note: Applications that do not include all of the above will not be considered.

Applications send to by COB Tuesday 25 November 2025.

For further information, please contact Jorg Edsen, Program Manager - Landscapes & Monitoring by email at

For more information, visit Cape York NRM