About us

Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to working with the people of Cape York Peninsula to protect the region’s unique natural and cultural values while promoting the sustainable use of its natural resources.

Through robust partnerships with Traditional Owners, landholders, community groups, industry and government, we deliver programs that support environmental stewardship, sustainable development, capacity building and regional collaboration. Our work is guided by local knowledge, community engagement and a shared commitment to achieving positive, long-term outcomes for people and country.

Cape York Peninsula is one of the nation’s most ecologically and culturally significant regions. Joining Cape York NRM means contributing to meaningful projects that make a lasting impact while working alongside a passionate and dedicated team committed to safeguarding this extraordinary landscape for future generations.

About the role

We have a number of exciting opportunities available within our Project division, with positions based in either Cairns or Cooktown. Working across a diverse portfolio of environmental and cultural conservation initiatives, these roles will contribute to the protection and enhancement of Cape York’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity values. Opportunities include working within our Biodiversity team or Eastern Cape York Turtle Conservation team, supporting the delivery of on-ground conservation projects, monitoring programs, community engagement activities and capacity-building initiatives. Working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, First Nations ranger groups, communities and project partners, you will help deliver meaningful outcomes for Country while ensuring project objectives,



funding requirements and reporting obligations are achieved.

Key responsibilities

- Coordinate and deliver project requirements in accordance with approved project objectives, work plans, budgets, timelines and funding agreements

- Develop project plans and agreements in collaboration with delivery partners to support delivery of Cape York NRM strategic objectives and funding program requirements

- Manage delivery of project agreements with stakeholders ensuring milestones are delivered and invoiced to agreed schedules

- Build and maintain respectful, collaborative and culturally appropriate working relationships with Cape York stakeholders including Traditional Owners, First Nations ranger groups, communities, government agencies, Natural Resource Management organisations, research institutions, non-government organisations and other project partners

- Develop and deliver effective monitoring strategies for projects, aligned to program outcomes, specific program monitoring tools and timeframes

- Utilise GPS, GIS, spatial mapping tools and digital data collection platforms to support monitoring, analysis and project delivery

- Collect, manage and maintain high-quality ecological, spatial and project data in accordance with organisational and funding requirements

- Compilation of project reporting evidence and delivery of reporting, project updates and other documentation as per required schedule

- Facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops,



training opportunities and knowledge-sharing activities that strengthen local capacity to deliver conservation outcomes

- Identify opportunities and contribute to the preparation of communication materials, presentations and other resources to promote project achievements and outcomes

About you

- Tertiary qualification in environmental science, marine science, natural resource management or related field

- Minimum three years' experience in a project coordination, conservation, environmental management or natural resource management role

- Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Traditional Owners, First Nations ranger groups, local communities, partner organisations, research institutions and government agencies

- Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating and delivering complex conservation, environmental or natural resource management projects, including managing project timelines, budgets and reporting requirements

- Experience undertaking species monitoring, surveys and field-based data collection, with the ability to apply monitoring methodologies and protocols accurately

- Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in remote locations and undertake fieldwork in challenging environmental and weather conditions

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences

- Current Australian Class 'C' driver licence

- Valid Blue Card

- Valid First Aid and CPR certification

How to apply

Please submit your resume and a supporting cover letter outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications align to the key responsibilities of the role.

📌 Project Officer (Cairns)
🏢 Cape York Natural Resource Management
📍 Cairns