Vacancy Details

Position:

Organisation Unit

Location

Package

Tenure

Closing

Synopsis

Planning Officer

APS5

Townsville

Ongoing; Full-time

Applications close Thursday 22 October 2026, 11:59pm AEST The Position

We are seeking a policy or planning professional, preferably in the natural recource management field to join our team. As part of the Policy and Planning section, you will understand and apply environmental legislation to develop practical, innovative solutions to protect the values and allow for the ecologically sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Marine Park). You will understand the need for productive relationships across multidisciplinary teams, including multiple stakeholders, Traditional Owners and other government agencies.

You will use spatial data, statistical analytics and professional software to evaluate uses, values, and priorities within the Marine Park.

What you'll do

- Collaboratively develop and implement spatial management strategies, policies and enabling legislation that provide for the long-term protection and conservation of the Marine Park as well as its ecologically sustainable use.
- Manage complex projects and help develop initiatives to effectively manage Marine Park threats and uses. This includes working collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders on strategic issues, including with the Queensland Government, to ensure alignment with joint permitting and joint field management arrangements.
- Prepare high-quality written materials, including data analysis within strategies and reports, to provide expert, timely, practical, transparent and risk-based advice to management on policy, spatial planning and/or regulatory issues for the Marine Park.
- Actively participate, as part of a committed team, to the work of the Section, including contributing to delivering the broader Reef Authority’s corporate objectives.
- Represent the Reef Authority on policy, spatial planning and/or regulatory matters relevant to the Marine Park. This includes contributing to a range of meetings and forums with internal or external stakeholders, Traditional Owners and other government agencies to foster cooperation on strategic issues.
- Be responsible for managing work projects to achieve results demonstrating the ability to be agile and responsive to changing requirements, including achieving quality outcomes and adhering to documentation procedures.

What you'll bring

- You have experience in developing and applying policies and spatial management plans, ideally in an environmental / marine protected area context.
- You have experience in relationship and stakeholder management and working with Traditional Owners.
- You understand the need for exploring innovative solutions while appreciating the reasons for existing policy, plans and legislation.
- You have an eye for detail and are able to analyse a variety of data sources to inform management decisions.




- You will have excellent communication, relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- You seek to work collaboratively and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Russell Hosp, Senior Planning Officer, Ph. 0439 228 107 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, adaptable 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, career development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Essential Requirements To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.

The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience

- Experience or relevant tertiary qualifications in marine and/or terrestrial natural resource management, especially in development and implementation of policy, spatial planning and legislation interpretation.
- Experience with synthesising scientific information and publicly available data to inform policy and management plans, including the ability to utilise data visualisation tools (e.g. ArcGIS, Excel, Power BI).
- Have the ability to travel – sometimes overnight or for multiple days.

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 Excellent 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.

📌 Planning Officer (Townsville City)
🏢 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
📍 Townsville City