The Organisation
Our client, Cape York NRM is a not‐for‐profit organisation dedicated to supporting the people of Cape York Peninsula to care for Country and strengthen the sustainable use of natural resources. Working closely with communities, Traditional Owners, land managers, and partners across one of Australia's most significant ecological and cultural landscapes, they deliver regionally aligned programs that protect biodiversity and build resilience.
The Role
Cape York NRM is seeking a committed Program Manager - Land Systems, Agriculture & Monitoring to lead two major regional programs that drive environmental health and sustainable agriculture across Cape York Peninsula. You will oversee the Cape York Landscape Repair Program, reducing sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef through improved land management, erosion control and landscape restoration. Alongside this, you will lead the Climate‐Smart & Sustainable Agriculture Program, supporting farmers and graziers to adopt productive, climate‐resilient and sustainable land management practices. Working closely with the CEO, you will manage program delivery, contracts, reporting, partnerships and day‐to‐day team operations. Your stakeholders include government funders, Traditional Owner groups, landholders, agricultural producers, researchers and regional partners.
This role requires strong leadership, relationship‐building and operational oversight to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget and with measurable on‐ground impact. Your work will strengthen sustainable land use, support community priorities and contribute directly to Cape York NRM's Regional NRM Plan.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
* Cultivating trusted, long‐term relationships with Traditional Owners, graziers, farmers, community groups and regional partners, recognising the unique cultural context of Cape York.
* Leading the delivery of the Landscape Repair and Climate‐Smart Sustainable Agriculture programs.
* Managing detailed and complex contracts, budgets, reporting obligations and funder relationships.
* Coaching, mentoring and supporting staff to deliver high‐quality, measurable on‐ground outcomes.
* Ensuring compliance with all legal, safety and contractual requirements.
* Continuous improvement in program and project delivery, ensuring best practice processes, systems, reporting and operational procedures.
* Supporting operational planning, policy development and business recommendations for the CEO.
* Building strong collaborative partnerships across government, community, industry and First Nations groups.
About You
You are an adaptable, resourceful and values‐driven leader with a passion for environmental stewardship and community‐centred program delivery. Ideally, you bring experience in natural resource management, sustainable agriculture or regional program leadership, and you balance strategic thinking with hands‐on execution.
Collaborative by nature, you honour local knowledge, lived experience and community priorities. You thrive working with multidisciplinary teams, navigating evolving priorities and building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Above all, you are motivated by creating long‐term, meaningful impact for people, landscapes and communities.
Required Skills and Proficiencies
Essential
* Tertiary qualifications in NRM, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Project Management, or equivalent experience.
* Proven senior management experience in funded programs or projects, including planning, risk management and financial oversight.
* Demonstrated ability to lead multiple programs to successful, timely and cost-effective delivery.
* Strong leadership, coaching and team development capabilities.
* Experience securing and managing, grants and governing funding.
* Comprehensive understanding of NRM, agricultural land use and partnership-based program delivery, or desire to learn.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft Suite, Google Docs).
* Current Australian Class C driver's licence.
* Ability to travel frequently, including to remote areas.
* Blue Card and criminal history check (or ability to obtain).
Desirable
* Experience working with Indigenous communities and organisations, ideally on Cape York Peninsula.
* Experience living or working in remote northern Australia.
* 4WD experience.
The Rewards and Culture
Spanning 16 river basins and home to 72 rainforest types - 20% of Australia's remaining rainforest, Cape York Peninsula is one of the country's most ecologically and culturally significant regions. At Cape York NRM, you'll have the opportunity to work in this iconic landscape, contributing to projects that make a real and lasting difference.
If you're passionate about sustainability, community partnerships, and working with purpose, Cape York NRM offers a rewarding and meaningful career path alongside a committed and passionate team.
nrmjobs.com.au/job/20028482