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.

Norfolk Island National Park (NINP) covers 650 ha: 460 ha on Norfolk Island and 190 ha on the nearby Phillip Island. NINP covers approximately 19% of the land mass of Norfolk Island and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. NINP is a major tourist destination for the island, and is faced with many NRM challenges, including managing and monitoring threatened species and controlling invasive species. NINP operates with a small but dedicated team of staff and is well regarded by the island community.

The Job

Under guidance of the Natural Resource Manager, and in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act); Norfolk Island National Park Management Plan; and other relevant management and research plans:

• Undertake field-based activities that contribute to threatened species conservation and invasive species control programs.
• Contribute to collaborative scientific research and monitoring projects, including data collection, management and reporting.
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports, scientific articles, research permits, and communication materials.
• Liaise with and supervise external stakeholders and contractors engaged in invasive species and threatened species management within NINP.

A key component of this role will be to contribute to on-ground conservation management actions for ARC Linkage project Snails to the rescue! Conservation of Australia’s island invertebrates. Tasks include assisting with experimental reintroduction of endemic snails including scientific monitoring, data collection, and short-term care of captive populations.

The position will work closely with NINP and Norfolk Island Regional Council staff and will be part of a broader team that also encompasses the Department of Infrastructure, Western Sydney University, the Australian Museum, Taronga Zoo, and Senversa.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated experience conducting natural resource management activities for threatened species conservation and/or control of invasive species.
• Experience in data collection, particularly using digital data collection platforms
• Demonstrated experience in scientific methods and practices

Skills and capabilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and briefs and to effectively communicate and liaise with stakeholders
• Ability to live and work effectively in a small and isolated community, to be an effective member of a small work team and to adapt to change in the workplace
• Ability to manage and prioritise workload in consultation with supervisor
• Have a good understanding of Workplace Diversity, Workplace Participation, Workplace Health and Safety and the ability to apply and promote them in the workplace

Desirable qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in environmental science or equivalent experience in natural resource management

The successful applicant must:

• hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification,
• hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle,
• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence,
• meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed,
• 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 must be able to obtain and hold an Employee Firearms Licence,
• 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 to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters and manual four wheel drive vehicles,
• 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,
• wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy,
• wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures
• note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation,
• note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work

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.
• 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.