We are seeking an experienced, outcomes-focused Assistant Director to coordinate and enable the Australian Government’s capacity for understanding Reef health all-year round, with a heightened focus over the high-risk summer period to assess the impact of any significant Reef health event (including coral bleaching) using both aerial and in-water surveys and to explore new technology to allow remote data collection. Trialling innovative technology to support our understanding of events that impact the Reef is essential to support effective policy and management responses.

The Assistant Director – Reef Health Surveillance and Innovation position will be responsible for investigating feasible innovative approaches to understanding impacts to Reef health and developing protocols and partnerships to respond. This includes working with Traditional Owners, a range of stakeholders, project management, coordinating partnerships and procurement, sourcing and providing technical advice and reporting.

You will work closely with Reef Authority staff, management partners, Traditional Owners and stakeholders to scope, design and develop protocols to support informative and timely evidence-based information on Reef health (specifically in relation to coral bleaching). You will also coordinate aerial survey responses and in-water ground truthing as required. Your efforts will position the Reef Authority with long-lasting tools and innovative technology options to support resilience-based management and reporting.

What you'll do

- Provide high level coordination and advice in relation to implementing aerial and in-water surveys and investigating the application of remote technology methods and data analysis with an emphasis on application to coral reefs.
- Work with external research partners to design, develop and implement methods and processes to monitor summer Reef health and coral bleaching and help the Authority analyse and interpret results.




- Prepare high quality communication and information products for government and stakeholders.
- Provide high-level project management for multiple projects, including by working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts to lead or support project planning and implementation.
- Assist with the section’s planning, reporting and evaluation processes to support the Authority’s strategic objectives, particularly in relation to technology innovation.
- Lead and manage a small team to gather, analyse and communicate on Reef health all-year round, and plan, prepare and respond to significant Reef health events over the high-risk summer period.
- Manage the budget and finances of the Reef Health Surveillance and Innovation team.

What you'll bring

- You will have excellent negotiation skills and have the proven ability to work collaboratively with individuals, stakeholders, the science community and management.
- You are a natural problem solver, a doer and have the ability to innovate and see things through to completion.
- You can prioritise and align strategic and operational activities in order to complete tasks on time and to a high standard.
- You thrive under pressure, have an eye for detail, and don’t get flustered when faced with competing priorities.
- You are an inclusive leader and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Outstanding Barrier Reef for future generations.

Ready to lead work that improves how we understand Reef health? Apply today

📌 Assistant Director – Reef Health Surveillance and Innovation (Townsville)
🏢 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
📍 Townsville