Identified position - This position is an 'Identified' position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in topics relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the needs of 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.

Kakadu National Park is a world-heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park's natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park's natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.

The Country Section is responsible for the protection of the Kakadu National Park's biodiversity assets and natural values.

The section does this by:

• providing strategic advice and support to the operations section on fire, feral and weed management.
• managing Country through a significant fire programme.
• implementing and assisting significant species projects.
• responding to the threat of climate change.
• data and knowledge management; and.
• planning.

The section is an important part of creating an inclusive cross-cultural working environment.

The Job

This is a permanent ongoing position that will require working on a 10/4 roster for part of the year. Under general supervision and at the direction of the Manager, Country to implement biodiversity and cultural focused fire management program across Kakadu National Park (KNP).

This includes:

• Manage all aspects of KNP Fire Management planning, implementation and review.
• Consult and engage with Traditional Owners and other critical internal and external stakeholders with respect to fire management.
• Coordinate and lead strategic prescribed burning programs including late season fire suppression works.
• Work with the Operations Team and Park staff to develop and implement annual fire plans and Wildfire Response Plans.
• Implement existing policies, manuals and other best practice guidelines to ensure long term sustainability of successful fire management in KNP.
• Assist in the finalisation of the KNP Fire Management Strategy.
• Supervise and mentor Kakadu Fire Team.
• Manage risk and WHS in relation to fire management in KNP.
• Develop and deliver fire related training across park staff and traditional owners, including formal and on the job training.
• Liaise with researchers to progress priorities to fill gaps in knowledge about fire management.
• Assist in research activities where appropriate.
• Manage all aspects of Savanna Burning carbon projects within KNP, including working with senior park staff and traditional owners to implement and report on carbon abatement projects.
• Maintaining data and GPS records associated with fire management activities using ArcGIS.
• Manage the KNP Fire Monitoring and Evaluation framework including data analysis and reporting.
• Be the main point of contact for the park in all matters related to fire.
• Promote safe working practices as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and relevant departmental WHS policies.
• Supervise staff in a cross-cultural environment including encouraging Aboriginal traditional owners and other relevant Aboriginal people to participate in all aspects of fire management in the park.
• Share the traditional owner's vision for the future of the park including participating in the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, the community and public.
• As an effective member of the team, mentor, support and train field staff and traditional owners to develop practical skills, safe work practices, and efficient and effective use of equipment and resources to implement fire management.

All duties will be performed in accordance with the Parks Lease Agreement, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Management Plans.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience.

• Land Management qualifications.
• Experience in managing landscape scale fire management programs in Northern Australia.
• Experience in all aspects of Savanna Burning Projects.
• Data Management and GIS skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience, and a high level of practical knowledge and skills in planning, coordinating and implementing fire management in a protected area, particularly aerial burning and on-ground burning with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience and sound theoretical knowledge of strategic fire and carbon management planning and reporting, including using and managing information systems such as GPS, databases and GIS.

Skills and capabilities.

• An awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations and the ability to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of the park as well as developing and supporting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and consideration of values and culture.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective team member with experience in mentoring and training staff from a variety of backgrounds; and ability to participate in and adapt to change.
• Effective verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills including the ability to consult and negotiate sensitively in a remote and cross-cultural workplace.
• The ability to produce clear and accurate scientific and cross-cultural focused reports.
• Demonstrated application of safe working practices in relation to fire management and a working knowledge of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

Mandatory qualifications

• Conservation Land Management or similar degree or diploma.

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.

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,.
• meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed,.
• note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation,.
• note that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position(s),.
• note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,.
• 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 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, and.
• wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Statement of claims

Applicants are required to submit a statement of claims (750 words maximum) outlining why you are interested in this position and why you believe that you have the skills, capabilities, knowledge and experience to be considered for this role. Please provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position.

The key areas, or points, listed above describe the particular skills, capabilities, knowledge, and experience and where applicable the qualifications required to achieve the desired outcomes for the role and your statement of claims against these is an essential part of the shortlisting process. If shortlisted, applicants may be asked to attend an interview to provide further examples against these key areas/points to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must demonstrate the ways in which they will be of value to the job and the organisation. You must make sure that you adequately address each key area or point and cite evidence of your suitability. Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrate how you meet each of the key areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and capabilities will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role(s).

Applicants are also required to submit a current CV/resume.

The Australian Public Service Commission has produced an excellent guide to applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service. You can access this information at APSCs Cracking the Code.

Work Health and Safety Obligations

All workers (APS1-Secretary) have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety whilst at work, to ensure their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons and to comply with any reasonable instruction given to comply with the Work Health and Safety legislation.

All supervisors and managers (APS5-EL1) play a significant role by modelling safe work behaviours and clearly setting the standard for acceptable behaviour in the workplace. Supervisors and managers play a critical role in supporting 'Officers' to exercise due diligence and in consulting with duty holders.

An Officer (EL2-Secretary) makes and participates in making decisions that affect the whole or a substantial part of the department. Employees at the SES Band 2 and above classification are considered to be Officers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) with all EL 2 and above required to complete officer due diligence training. Officers have a duty to be proactive and continuously ensure that the department complies with relevant duties and obligations.