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Executive Assistant
APS4
Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Wednesday 4 March 2026, 11:59pm AEST
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 an Executive Assistant professional to provide high-level support to the General Manager – Marine Park Operations, working to deliver priorities of the Branch, and the Reef Authority more broadly.
The Executive Assistant works closely and collaboratively with the Branch leadership team, their sections, and the Branch Business Manager. The position thereby actively contributes to the overall efficiencies and deliverables of the Branch often in an environment of changing priorities. The position prioritises and coordinates the day-to-day timeframes required of the branch and section deliverables and is an office-based position to ensure operational requirements are met.
Working positively and effectively with senior executives, this role will see you building and maintaining relationships across the branch, the organisation and departmental-wide teams, external stakeholders and collaboratively with other executive assistants for successful outcomes.
This APS4 position is perfect for a natural organiser who enjoys independence and wants to contribute to a world-class organisation. Join us in a supportive environment where your executive assistant talents directly enable the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
About You
* You thrive in balancing competing priorities during busy periods while maintaining a steady, high-quality output during regular business cycles.
* You have good written and inter-personal skills and can complete tasks on time and to a high standard.
* You bring a composed and professional presence, with a natural ability to anticipate needs and use sound logic to stay ahead during peak periods.
* You have an eye for detail, bringing a natural accuracy and clear communication to every task while ensuring work is polished and delivered on time.
* You are a discrete person, with a strong sense of duty and a friendly disposition.
* You are a team player who successfully maintains relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders.
* You confidently act as liaison between the General Manager and staff of all levels within the organisation, as appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
* Executive Coordination: Provide proactive and high-level executive support to the General Manager, including expert management of emails, Outlook calendars, correspondence, and maintaining workflows to ensure the efficient delivery of tasks and deadlines.
* Document Preparation: Coordinate and provide quality control of briefs and Branch correspondence, ensuring all documents meet guidelines, and are high quality. Track and review briefs and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, adherence to guidelines, and timely delivery.
* Meeting Support: Prepare and collate reports and agenda papers for internal and external meetings, manage logistical arrangements (including travel), and coordinate the requirements for official visits. Ensure all materials are ready and available within set timelines.
* Professional Liaison: Act as a professional point of contact for the Branch, facilitating clear and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including ensuring that sensitive matters are handled appropriately.
* Business Systems: Ensure the efficient use of administrative systems and provide guidance to staff on related Reef Authority corporate policies and procedures. This includes supporting workflows to track and monitor the completion of tasks, ensuring deadlines are met.
For more information about this opportunity, please contactRichard Quincey, General Manager Marine Park Operations,
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
The position requires a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
You will be required to prepare a response document ("pitch") in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.
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.
When crafting your response, we encourage you to review 'Cracking the Code' and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website:
Please complete your application online and provide:
* your 'pitch' (as described above and in the position description).
* proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
* a current curriculum vitae (resume)
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
* The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
* We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit:
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
* Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
* Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
* Evidence of citizenship status.
* Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
* Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
* The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
* The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.