Biodiversity Conservation Manager – (Identified Position)

About this role

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. 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 Biodiversity Conservation team is responsible for the protection of Kakadu National Park’s biodiversity assets and bio-cultural values. The section does this by providing strategic advice and support to the operations sections on fire, managing Country through a significant fire program and externally funded conservation programs; implementing significant species projects, facilitating, and supporting externally led research; data and knowledge management; and planning. The section is an important part of creating an inclusive cross-cultural working environment. The Biodiversity Conservation Manager leads Kakadu National Parks’ biodiversity, fire, and species management programs, providing strategic direction, cross cultural leadership, and expert advice while working closely with Country Operations team to plan, implement, and monitor threat management programs that protect the park’s ecological and cultural values. The duties will include: • Leadership & Strategy • Provide high level leadership and strategic direction for conservation planning and programs. • Drive implementation of biodiversity, fire, and threat management programs. • Stakeholder Engagement • Work closely with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, staff, scientists, and external partners. • Manage teams delivering joint biodiversity and fire programs with key stakeholders. • Planning & Compliance • Provide strategic direction for the natural resources data and GIS requirements. • Supporting Park Management in complying with the Lease Agreement, Park Management Plan, and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) EPBC Act. • Program Implementation & Resource Allocation • Implement priorities in line with Park Management plan and Kakadu Board of Management decisions. • Managing and maintaining a large budget to effectively and efficiently resource delivery of Park-wide programs. • Policy & Advisory Support • Provide expert advice to the Kakadu Board of Management. • Participate in the formulation and review of Park management policies and procedures. • Project & Contract Management • Manage projects including planning, budgeting, contracts, and reporting. • Ensure adherence to government policies and procedures. • Joint Management & Cross-Cultural Work • Actively engage and facilitate teams in joint management with Bininj Traditional Owners. • Promote a respectful and inclusive cross-cultural workplace. • Staff Support & Supervision • Provide high level leadership, mentoring, and training to staff. • Facilitate HR issues resolution, including with support of HR teams. • Support teams through change, aligned with APS values and policies. • Representation & Partnerships • Represent the Park in meetings, forums, and negotiations. • Build relationships with government bodies, academia, and Traditional Owners. • Fieldwork & Surveys • Support teams who organise and deliver biodiversity field surveys in remote areas. • Willing to travel by helicopter or boat when needed. • Workplace Health & Safety • Promote and apply safe work practices. • Participate in risk management and emergency response planning. • Reporting • Synthesise information and report on work programs and initiatives. • Contribute to board reports and Parks Australia documentation. • Undertake any other duties as required by the Park Manager - Operations. Note, the role is based in a regional/remote location and may require travel across multiple sites. Some work outside standard business hours may be required to respond to operational priorities. The position involves both office-based administration and field-based inspections/coordination. Must comply with organisational policies, WHS requirements, and cultural heritage protection protocols when working in protected areas. For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.