- Parks Australia Division
- Christmas Island
- Lead the ecological science that guides the restoration of rainforest on former phosphate minesites in Christmas Island National Park
- Turn monitoring and research into on-ground change, working with nursery and field teams to protect endemic and threatened species
- Live and work in a unique island community surrounded by rainforest, reef and some of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife

- APS 6 - $99,734 - $112,044 per annum plus superannuation
- Parks Australia Division
- Christmas Island

- Lead the ecological science that guides the restoration of rainforest on former phosphate minesites in Christmas Island National Park
- Turn monitoring and research into on-ground change, working with nursery and field teams to protect endemic and threatened species
- Live and work in a unique island community surrounded by rainforest, reef and some of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife

Who we are

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 Environment 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 Christmas Island National Park is part of the Marine and Island Parks Branch of Parks Australia. It manages Christmas Island National Park and its natural and cultural values on behalf of the Australian Government. The Park's work covers threatened species recovery, invasive species management (including biological control programs), biosecurity risk, visitor services and park infrastructure, and community engagement. The Christmas Island National Park also delivers the Christmas Island Minesite to Forest Rehabilitation (CIMFR) Program, which rehabilitates mined land on Christmas Island. The Park is a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of rangers, scientists, technical and operational staff. It works closely with the local community, research partners and other government agencies to protect one of Australia's most distinctive island ecosystems.

For more information about us please visit our website .

The job

- Lead and supervise the Forest Ecology team, including work planning, performance management, staff development and field safety.
- Deliver and continuously improve the CIMFR biophysical monitoring program.
- Establish and maintain monitoring plots and transects across rehabilitation and reference rainforest sites.
- Monitor vegetation growth, species composition, canopy development, natural regeneration, weed presence and soil condition.
- Collect, manage and maintain high-quality ecological data using GIS, databases and field data systems.
- Analyse monitoring results and produce technical reports, presentations and management advice.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve rehabilitation methods, ecological outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
- Work with Nursery Operations on species selection, seed collection priorities and propagation of endemic, rare and threatened plants.




- Work with Field Operations to optimise planting design, site preparation, weed control and maintenance activities.
- Design and lead field trials and applied ecological research to address knowledge gaps.
- Develop specialist expertise in Christmas Island rainforest ecosystems, including endemic, rare and threatened flora.
- Use GIS, remote sensing and drone imagery to assess rehabilitation progress at a landscape scale.
- Provide ecological advice on landform design, earthworks planning and site prioritisation.
- Monitor and advise on weed and invasive species management.
- Contribute to program reporting, performance measures and senior management briefings.
- Build ecological capability across the team through training in monitoring, plant identification and data collection.
- Communicate scientific findings to staff, researchers, community members and visitors.
- Promote and model safe work practices in challenging field environments.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse workforce, community and stakeholders in line with APS Values and Code of Conduct.

What you’ll gain from the experience

This is a rare chance to lead the ecological science behind one of Australia's longest-running tropical rainforest rehabilitation programs, in one of the country's most remarkable national parks.

You will:

- work in a unique island ecosystem with a high proportion of endemic species.
- build specialist expertise in Christmas Island's rainforest communities and its endemic, rare and threatened flora, knowledge held by very few people anywhere.
- lead a small team, design and deliver applied research and field trials, and work alongside universities, research institutions and restoration practitioners.
- also develop your skills in ecological monitoring, data analysis, spatial science and remote sensing.
- be part of a committed, multidisciplinary team within Parks Australia, with the support and development opportunities of a career in the Australian Public Service. Beyond the work, Christmas Island offers an extraordinary place to live.
- be part of a small, welcoming and culturally diverse community, surrounded by rainforest, dramatic coastline and some of the clearest tropical waters in the world.

Your monitoring and analysis will directly shape how the rehabilitation program operates. You will see your findings put into practice across nursery production, site preparation and planting, and watch former mine sites develop into forest over time. The role offers real scope for professional growth. The island's natural events include the annual red crab migration and seasonal visits from whale sharks, and diving, snorkelling, bushwalking and birdwatching are right on your doorstep.

Employees based in the Indian Ocean Territories may also be eligible for remote locality conditions and support under the Department's Enterprise Agreement.

What we are looking for

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and experience

- Demonstrated knowledge of tropical or subtropical rainforest ecology, including forest structure, successional processes, species interactions and ecosystem function.
- Experience designing and running ecological monitoring programs, field surveys or trials, including vegetation assessment and plant identification.
- Experience in ecological restoration or rehabilitation settings is highly regarded.
- Experience analysing and interpreting ecological data, including statistical analysis, and presenting findings in clear technical reports that inform management decisions.
- Knowledge of threatened species and biodiversity conservation, and the ability to quickly develop a strong understanding of Christmas Island's vegetation communities and its endemic, rare and threatened flora.
- Experience collecting, managing and analysing spatial data using GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS Pro), and field data capture tools.




- Experience with remote sensing or drone imagery is desirable.

Skills and capabilities

- Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and develop a small team, including planning work priorities, supporting staff development and promoting protected work practices in the field.
- Strong collaboration skills.
- You can work across teams and with external partners to turn scientific findings into practical, on-ground improvements.
- Ability to think critically and solve problems.
- You can assess how well current practices work, identify improvements and recommend evidence-based changes in a changing operational environment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- You can explain complex ecological information to a range of audiences, including staff, senior management, researchers and the community.
- Ability to work effectively in hot, humid and physically demanding field conditions.
- You understand and appreciate diversity, equity and inclusion, and can contribute positively to a small, multicultural and isolated community.

Mandatory qualifications

- A tertiary qualification (bachelor's degree or higher) in ecology, botany, environmental science, natural resource management or a closely related field.

Additional requirements

- hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification,
- hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
- note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,
- note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours,
- note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work,
- note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses,
- note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams,
- participate in the Park’s Duty Officer Roster involving after hours monitoring of emergency alarms and phones,
- wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy

Eligibility and other requirements

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.

Mandatory qualifications –

your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.

The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.

For more information, see:

- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
- AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission

For additional information about this opportunity, please read the job description below.

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📌 Rainforest Ecologist (Christmas Island National Park)
🏢 Department Of Education And Training Of Australia
📍 Christmas Island National Park