The Role The Assistant Director, Training Area Sustainability (AD TAS) is a strong leadership role as an environmental subject matter expert, providing national level strategic support, advice and guidance to Directorate of Operations and Training Area Management (DOTAM), training area staff, zone environment staff, and a broad range of other internal and external stakeholders on environmental legislation, regulation and policy, to ensure environmental sustainability requirements are incorporated into the management, use, and development of DOTAM training areas.

This role engages in complex problem solving and the management of sensitive issues pertaining to training area sustainability though research, analysis of data, engagement with stakeholders, exercising sound professional judgement, and negotiating options for resolution.

Through high level engagement and integration with the relevant Groups and Services, to ensure a one Defence approach to environmental management for DOTAM managed Training Areas, the AD TAS negotiates and resolves complex and sensitive environmental issues impacting upon training area management (including Non-Defence Training Areas), use, environmental protection, and capability.

About our Team

Directorate of Operations and Training Area Management (DOTAM) plays a vital role in enabling Defence capability across Australia. DOTAM is a nationally dispersed organisation with responsibilities that directly support the preparedness, training, and operational effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Our diverse portfolio includes the management of 40 Military Training Areas across Australia, facilitation of Singapore Armed Forces unilateral training activities, support to Defence domestic operations, and coordination of bushfire mitigation programs across the national Defence estate.



Through these functions, DOTAM helps ensure Defence remains ready to respond to emerging challenges and operational requirements.

Working closely with the three ADF Services, Headquarters Joint Operations Command, industry partners, and stakeholders across the Security and Estate Group, DOTAM maintains training areas, ranges, and associated infrastructure to enable safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable training outcomes for the ADF and partner nations.

Headquartered in Canberra and supported by regional teams across Australia, DOTAM offers rewarding opportunities to contribute to nationally significant outcomes within an integrated workforce of ADF, APS, and contracted personnel committed to delivering excellence in support of Defence capability.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a high performing individual with the following demonstrated experience relevant to the role, being:

- Experience in an environmental management discipline, environmental assessment and research and analysis skills relating to environmental controls.
- Experience in Interpreting legislation and policy to provide advice and make decisions.
- Have demonstrated experience applying workplace, biosecurity and heritage legislation and policy nationally and across multiple land tenures.
- Exceptional stakeholder management experience and an excellent collaborator, who can work across a nationally dispersed Directorate to deliver environmental management outcomes and build knowledge.
- Be an excellent communicator with a demonstrated ability to provide high quality written material and advice for a range of audiences.
- Uphold the Defence and APS Values and the APS Employment Principles, and comply with the APS Code of Conduct.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.

📌 Assistant Director (Australia)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Australia