About the Department The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) supports the Australian Government's economic agenda by building a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. It does this by growing creative businesses, industries and regions, investing in science and technology, and strengthening the resources sector.

This role sits within Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre, a division of DISR based in Parkes, Canberra.

About the Role

As Project Manager in Questacon's Building Projects team, you will lead complex building and infrastructure capital projects from business case through to delivery. Working under limited direction, you will manage procurement, contracts, budgets, risk and reporting in line with Commonwealth requirements. You will work closely with contractors, consultants and internal teams to deliver safe, high-quality, value-for-money outcomes.

Key Duties

- Supervise the Building Projects team: set priorities, oversee delivery and quality, and build team capability through coaching and feedback.
- Plan and deliver complex building and infrastructure projects, managing schedules, budgets, risk and reporting under limited direction.
- Lead procurement and tender processes, administer contracts and manage contractor performance in line with Commonwealth frameworks.
- Provide expert advice, research and briefings on project delivery, construction and compliance, anticipating risks and resolving complex issues.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, contractors, consultants and government agencies, and support stakeholders through change.
- Contribute to strategic planning, continuous improvement and innovation across project management practice and governance.

Key Skills and Capabilities

- Proven experience managing building, construction,



infrastructure or facilities projects in a complex operational environment.
- Strong project management skills, including procurement, contract management, budget oversight and risk management.
- Experience working with construction contractors, consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
- An understanding of asset management, facilities operations or capital works delivery (highly regarded).
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including managing sensitive or competing interests.
- Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes under limited direction.
- A commitment to safety, continuous improvement, collaboration and public sector values.

Requirements

- Australian citizenship
- Baseline security clearance (hold or be able to obtain)
- Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) registration, or be able to obtain one
- Canberra-based, working from Questacon Parkes (remote considered case by case)
- Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required, as construction is scheduled around the centre's 7-day operating hours

How to Apply Click APPLY or contact Marisa Conlon, Senior Consultant, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] for further information on the role.

Please submit applications in Word format only by 10am, 2nd October 2026.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing contingent contracts, fixed term contracts and permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

Our Head Office is based in Canberra with a national reach to all the states and territories, regional and remote areas of Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.

📌 Project Manager (Canberra)
🏢 First People Recruitment Solutions
📍 Canberra