Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands

About the Department

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) plays a critical role in protecting Queensland’s natural environment, supporting tourism, advancing science and innovation, and creating positive outcomes for communities across the state.

Within DETSI, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWSP) is responsible for caring for Queensland’s protected areas, wildlife and natural landscapes while enabling people to experience and connect with nature. Guided by the vision “Nature: Experienced. Valued. Protected.”, QPWSP works alongside First Nations peoples, communities, industry and partners to protect some of Australia's most significant natural and cultural assets.

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director-General, Management and Operations, the Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands provides strategic leadership for one of Queensland’s most significant operational portfolios.

Leading a geographically dispersed workforce of more than 300 staff and overseeing a budget of around $50 million, this role is responsible for the management of Queensland’s marine parks, island and coastal operations, and critical components of the protected area estate, including areas of international environmental significance.

The Executive Director will drive the delivery of complex operational programs across conservation, visitor management, capital works, pest and fire management, disaster recovery and environmental protection. The role also provides high‑level advice to senior departmental leaders and government on the management and legislative frameworks required to balance conservation outcomes, community expectations and sustainable use of Queensland’s natural assets.





This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished executive leader to influence the future of some of the world's most iconic environmental and cultural landscapes while leading large‑scale operations that deliver meaningful outcomes for Queenslanders and visitors alike.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide vision, leadership and direction across Great Barrier Reef, marine parks, coastal and island operations.
- Lead the effective management of Queensland’s protected area estate, ensuring conservation outcomes are balanced with visitor access and experience.
- Drive strategic and operational planning to deliver government priorities and organisational objectives.
- Oversee major programs including capital works, infrastructure development, pest and fire management, conservation initiatives and disaster recovery activities.
- Provide authoritative advice on complex environmental, operational and legislative matters.
- Foster strong partnerships with First Nations peoples, communities, tourism operators, industry stakeholders and government agencies.
- Lead a large and diverse workforce, building capability, accountability, safety and high performance.
- Ensure compliance with statutory obligations, governance requirements and performance expectations.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished executive leader with the strategic capability, operational expertise and leadership presence to succeed in a complex, high‑profile environment. You will bring significant experience leading large‑scale operations, programs or service delivery functions, ideally within environmental management, conservation, natural resources, public sector,



infrastructure or similarly complex settings. You are comfortable navigating competing priorities, managing risk and leading through change while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes.

You will have demonstrated success leading large, geographically dispersed workforces while driving organisational performance through strong leadership, strategic planning, operational delivery and governance. You possess exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, communities, industry and partner organisations. Comfortable operating at senior executive levels, you provide sound judgement, strategic advice and practical solutions in challenging and often politically sensitive environments.

Most importantly, you are a values‑based leader who inspires performance, cultivates inclusive and respectful workplaces, and is passionate about delivering positive outcomes for nature, culture and community. This is an exceptional executive leadership chance to help shape the future management of Queensland's globally significant marine, coastal and protected areas while contributing to one of the most significant conservation and visitor management portfolios in Australia.

Importantly, this role requires the delivery of services to, and/or significant engagement with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community‑controlled organisations. As such, you will be expected to demonstrate strong cultural capability through your professional experience, knowledge, and ability to engage respectfully and effectively in these contexts.

Applications close: Midnight, Friday 7th August 2026

Luminary is committed to storing and utilising your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For further information regarding this please visit: https://www.luminarypartners.com.au/privacy-policy

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands (Queensland)
🏢 Luminary Partners
📍 Queensland