• Lead tourism services and visitor operations in on of Australia's most iconic national parks.
• Build strong partnerships with Traditional Owners and the tourism industry.
• Drive delivery of tourism initiatives and visitor services.

Affirmative measure employment

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to 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.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

The Tourism Services Team Leader provides operational leadership and coordination for tourism services, stakeholder engagement, and tourism development across Kakadu National Park. Working under the direction of the Tourism and Visitor Services Manager, the role oversees visitor services operations, communications, and delivery of priority tourism initiatives. The role maintains strong relationships with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, tourism operators, community members, and industry partners, supporting Aboriginal-led tourism development and ensuring accurate, timely information is provided to visitors and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities.

• Lead tourism and visitor services operations across Kakadu National Park, contributing to operational decision-making and planning.
• Manage the operational performance of the Bowali Visitor Centre in conjunction with the Visitor Centre Coordinator, ensuring high-quality visitor service delivery and accurate information provision.
• Coordinate accurate, timely, and consistent communications to visitors and industry, including park access information, temporary closures, emergency notifications, infrastructure works, and radio schedules.
• Lead and enhance stakeholder and industry engagement, acting as a key point of contact between Parks Australia, tourism operators, Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, community members, and partners.
• Support implementation of priority actions under the Kakadu Tourism Master Plan (2020-2030), including support for new tourism initiatives.
• Support and encourage tourism business and product development in collaboration with Traditional Owners, community members, and tourism operators, including Aboriginal-led enterprises.
• Facilitate tourism forums, community workshops, and business support initiatives, and represent Kakadu National Park at industry, business, and trade forums, and other key events.
• Provide advice, reports, briefings, and secretariat support to the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee, and support the delivery of the Kakadu Knowledge for Tour Guides course.
• Assist tourism promotion and strategic communications by working with the Marketing and Communications teams to develop content including social media, newsletters, industry updates, and promotions material that showcases Kakadu National Park and supports tourism objectives.
• Lead and manage a small, multidisciplinary and cross-cultural team, supporting performance, capability development, and a culturally safe workplace.
• Assist the Manager, Tourism and Visitor Services, with other projects and duties as directed.

What you'll gain from the experience

This role offers the opportunity to provide senior leadership in tourism services and visitor operations within a jointly managed World Heritage-listed national park. You will work closely with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, tourism operators, and stakeholders to support visitor services, strengthen industry relationships, and contribute to delivery of Kakadu's tourism priorities. The position provides valuable experience leading people, managing complex operations, and shaping visitor experiences in a unique cultural and remote context.

What we are looking for

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

• Experience in tourism operations, visitor services, stakeholder engagement, tourism development, or a related field.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities and within a joint management environment.
• Experience supporting tourism business development, visitor experience initiatives, or community engagement activities.
• Experience providing advice and support to internal and external stakeholders and committees.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Ability to coordinate programs, initiatives, and operational activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines.
• Leadership and people management capability in a cross-cultural workplace.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving ability, and capacity to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to represent Kakadu National Park professionally at external forums and engagements.

Mandatory qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in tourism, business, communications, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.