Park Manager - Joint Management (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. As Park Manager - Joint Management you will work in a coordinated dual Park Management structure with the Park Manager - Country Operations providing effective leadership and direction for up to hundred full time staff and hundred plus Bininj/Mungguy day labourers or cultural advisors/monitors delivering approximately $30 million worth of activities per year, including overseeing: • Joint Management team function and supporting the partnership between Traditional Owners and Park Australia. • Providing high level support for the Kakadu Board of Management, support the implementation of the Plan of Management, Board Priorities, and facilitate and coordinate regular Community/District meetings. • Implementation of cultural resource management and cultural heritage programs. • Providing strategic direction and advice whilst working closely with Traditional Owners and District Rangers to conserve and protect the cultural and heritage values of the Park. • Licence and permit compliance team activities including Park fee implementation. • The Parks business operations team, that manage finances, budget preparations, governance, procurement, workforce support and corporate services to enable the effective management of Kakadu National Park. • Biodiversity Conservation team that leads Kakadu National Park’s biodiversity, fire, and species management programs, providing strategic direction, 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. • Optimise safety management systems, ensure effective management of critical risks, and role-modelling safe work practices. • Meet with Traditional Owners on country on a regular basis to champion the joint management of Kakadu National Park. Ensuring that traditional land knowledge and cultural values are integrated with modern conservation practices aligned to areas of responsibility. • Establish and maintain effective partnerships with Traditional Owners and external stakeholders including Aboriginal Associations, Ranger groups, the Northern Land Council, the Northern Territory Government, scientific and research communities, the tourism industry, as well as other groups and individuals with interests in the management of the Park aligned to areas of responsibility. • Manage budget and expenditure, including making joint decisions around capital and operational priorities, and ensuring compliance with requirements under the Commonwealth’s Governance and Financial legislation and frameworks. • Mentor and develop Bininj/Mungguy assistant Park manager role in support of commitments from the Board of Management, Management Plan and Lease Agreements. Championing the succession of Indigenous workers moving from entry-level ranger roles into senior management. • Lead and manage a large, operational, cross-cultural workforce with a strong focus on supporting staff to work effectively within the Australian Public Service framework, building capability and role-modelling agreed expectations around conduct and behaviour to maintain a mutually respectful workplace. • Manage critical incidents on the Park including facilitation and coordination of Search and Rescue’s, road accidents and damage to property or people as a result of natural disasters. • Ensure a safe environment for all Park staff and visitors. 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.