ASSISTANT DIRECTOR POLICY AND PLANNING

EL1
Townsville
Non-ongoing; Full-time Fixed Term until 30 June 2026
Applications close Monday 18 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 policy and/or spatial planning professional to join our team with broad skills in the development of spatial management plans, government policy and enabling legislation. You will help develop and implement Marine Park / marine protected area policies and marine spatial plans under limited direction with reasonable autonomy and accountability.
The position will also be responsible for reviewing systems and processes associated with the granting of permissions and authorisations to deliver on streamlining initiatives to support risk based regulatory decision making.
You will be a team player, working closely and collaboratively with other areas of the Reef Authority, the Australian and Queensland government’s Reef Joint Field Management Program, Traditional Owners and other Queensland and Commonwealth government partner agencies as well as a diverse network of stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of spatial management strategies, policies and enabling legislation that provide for the long-term protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef as well as its ecologically sustainable use.
• Manage complex projects and develop initiatives to effectively manage Marine Park activities and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reef Authority’s regulatory systems by working collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders on strategic issues, including with Queensland to ensure alignment with joint permitting and joint field management arrangements.
• Advise on the application of Marine Park legislation, spatial plans, policies and procedures and prepare high quality written material and reports including the provision of expert, timely, practical, transparent and risk-based advice to management. This includes in relation to relevant legislation, plans and policies of other government agencies which affect the Great Barrier Reef.
• Represent and explain the views of the Reef Authority in a range of meetings and forums with internal or external stakeholders, Traditional Owners and other government agencies including influencing cooperation on strategic issues.
• Using a risk-based approach, deliver streamlining procedures and processes for permissions and authorisations to account for current and emerging risks.
• Be responsible for supervising staff and managing resources, work priorities and monitoring progress to achieve results demonstrating the ability to be agile and responsive to changing requirements.
  For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kevin Edison, Director Marine Park Policy and Planning Ph. 0408 742 984

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