Identified position - This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

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.

Booderee, UKTNP and Kakadu National Parks are owned by the Traditional Owners who have leased their land to the Director to manage as a national park under joint management arrangements. The joint management arrangements are underpinned by a legal framework that includes the Park Leases, Plan of Management and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC).

Joint management is an ongoing learning process, and the relationship will adapt and transform as Traditional Owner aspiration and capacity change over time. Furthermore, the capacity and ability of Parks Australia to effectively operate in a collaborative arrangement with Traditional Owners requires ongoing support and development. The purpose of the Joint Management Section is to support the ongoing development of joint management processes across BNP, UKTNP and KNP.

The Job

Under limited supervision this role will be required to:

• Provide leadership, promoting a collegiate and supportive workplace culture.
• Demonstrate judgment, decision making, risk management, communication and strategic thinking consistent with APS 6 expectations.
• Support a strategic partnership approach to joint management through nurturing relationships both internal and external to Parks Australia.
• Support each Parks joint management function through key strategic projects that contribute to more effective joint management practice.
• Undertake effective budget management, project and contract management and assist with planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Undertake effective stakeholder engagement including preparation and presentation of board papers, as required.
• Support a culture of change in the workplace with regards to joint management and mentor staff to build skills, capacity and capability.
• Adhere to all corporate requirements including but not limited to: APS code of conduct & values, incident reporting, risk and procurement management and project deliveries.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for candidates who have knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• High level written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing and maintaining diverse stakeholder relationships including Traditional Owners, senior management and others across the division.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a dynamic workplace with proven experience in prioritising and allocating limited resources to competing needs and being innovative and resourceful under pressure.

Skills and capabilities

• These skills and capabilities form the selection criteria that candidates will be assessed against.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues and challenges related to joint management and/or co-management of protected areas.
• Experience working with First Nations communities and a proven ability to operate in a cross-cultural context in a sensitive manner.
• Highly developed skills in planning and policy with an ability to manage competing priorities, achieve results and meet deadlines with limited or no supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgement and manage risk.
• High level written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills, and an ability to analyse information to produce correspondence, briefs and reports that meet deadlines.

Desirable qualifications

• Qualifications and/or experience in cultural heritage, community development, or protected area management.
• First Nations community liaison and engagement would be advantageous.

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.

Pre-employment Check - 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 of 6 months.