ASSISTANT DIRECTOR COTS CONTROL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

EL1
Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Wednesday 13 August 2025
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.
Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don’t have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a program management professional preferably with a marine or environmental science background to join our team, working to deliver the Crown-of-thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Program. This position is essential to deliver a program that is safe, effective, and complies with the requirements of the Reef Authority’s legislative and policy operating environment.
Responsibilities include: provision of strategic direction, leadership, and policy advice relating to the COTS Control Program; long-term strategic planning and resourcing of the Program including management of the multi-million dollar annual budget; oversight of contractors and contract performance to ensure delivery of safe and high standard COTS on-water operations; engagement and coordination with Program partners and stakeholder groups including Reef Traditional Owners and the Tourism sector; and provide the Director with support and recommendations to inform decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership, direction, and strategic advice in relation to delivery of the COTS Control Program
• Coordinating, preparing, and reviewing complex high-quality advice and written material – for the Director and senior leadership team, stakeholders and service providers – that is timely, practical, transparent and risk-based. Advice and material could include but is not limited to - briefs; reports; agenda papers; position statements; policies; and strategic plans.
• Collaborate with and supervise staff across the Reef Interventions section as required, by contributing to cross-sectional projects, emerging issues, and corporate planning as part of a broader team.
• Engage, consult, and partner with stakeholders and service providers to support the delivery of the COTS Control Program and the Reef Authority’s priorities more broadly.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
• any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
• how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position