Country Operations Manager

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Kakadu NT The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to 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 Country 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 section on fire, feral and weed management, managing Country through a significant fire program and externally funded weeds and fire management 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. For more information about us please visit our website. The job Provide leadership and strategic direction to operational and project teams. Drive implementation of biodiversity, fire, and threat management programs. Stakeholder Engagement Work closely with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, staff, scientists, and external partners. Develop and deliver joint biodiversity and fire programs with key stakeholders. Planning & Compliance Oversee natural resource and GIS/IT planning. Ensure programs comply 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 set by the Kakadu Board of Management and park's management plans. Allocate resources for the effective and efficient 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 Support joint management with Bininj Traditional Owners. Promote a respectful and inclusive cross-cultural workplace. Staff Support & Supervision Supervise, mentor, and train staff. 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 Plan and take part in biodiversity field surveys, often 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 Coordinate 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. Mandatory qualifications Tertiary qualifications in conservation and/or environmental management. #J-18808-Ljbffr