Assistant Director

Identified position

This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting 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.

The Kakadu Future, Planning and Permits Section leads the delivery of strategic priorities for Kakadu National Park including new leases, joint management reform and the next plan of management as well as supporting some aspects of park operations including managing general and research permits and assessments.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

• Plan, lead and manage complex projects to a high standard (including delivering within budget, to deadlines, with appropriate governance and risk management and reporting to stakeholders).
• Prepare complex high-quality advice and written material - briefs, talking points, papers and reports - in a range of formats for our Board of Management, senior executive, the Minister’s Office and the Minister.
• Consult and partner with our joint management partners and key internal and external stakeholders, including through:

> establishing and maintaining effective relationships

> leading and contributing to committees and working groups to persuade, negotiate or influence cooperation on strategic and operational issues

> coordinating reporting against the management plan

• facilitating meetings and workshops and representing the section and organisation, as required.
• Contribute to section and branch operational planning and evaluation processes.
• Contribute to leadership across Parks Australia and lead, motivate, and develop a small, diverse and geographically dispersed team.