Vacancy Details

Position:

Organisation Unit

Location

Package

Tenure

Closing

Synopsis

Assistant Director – Reef Health Surveillance and Innovation

EL1

Townsville

Ongoing; Full time

Applications close Wednesday 7 October 2026, 11:59pm AEST The Position

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.

For more information about this opportunity please contact Mark Read, Director – Field Management Strategy, 0428 727 969 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 Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Essential Requirements

- Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent experience) in natural resource management, geographical information systems, business intelligence, or other relevant field.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience

- Experience engaging effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Three or more years’ experience in similar roles.
- Have the ability to travel from time to time if required, possibly for multiple nights.

How to apply The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role. While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.

Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully,



noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

- how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
- how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.

When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au. Please complete your application online and provide:

- your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
- proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
- a current curriculum vitae (resume)

Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website. PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.

Notes

- The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.

For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:

- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.

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