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 Setting 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.

Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks protect the diversity of life in our oceans–from astonishing coral reefs in our tropical seas to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains in temperate marine regions. This branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance.

The Marine Park Grants and Fisheries Assistance Section manages grant and assistance programs that support conservation, sustainable use and community outcomes across Australia’s Marine Parks and Island Parks. The section also works with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver funding initiatives, industry adjustment programs and strategic projects that contribute to effective marine park management.

The key duties of the position include:





- Lead the design and delivery of grant, funding and industry assistance programs that support the management of Australia’s Marine Parks.
- Provide strategic leadership to a geographically dispersed team, including oversight of program planning, reporting, budgets, contracts, procurement and governance.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with First Nations peoples, fishing industry, researchers, community groups and government stakeholders to support marine park management outcomes.
- Provide expert advice and contribute to marine park policy, planning and stakeholder engagement processes, including management planning and parliamentary requirements where required.
- Represent Parks Australia in complex negotiations, cross-government initiatives and external forums, fostering collaboration and delivering strategic outcomes.

For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.

Eligibility

Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.

Notes

We currently have one vacancy available for immediate filling. A merit pool for filling the same or similar position may be established at the conclusion of this selection process.

📌 Director - Marine Park Grants and Fisheries Assistance (Australian Capital Territory)
🏢 Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Australian Capital Territory