* Longreach, Queensland (Relocation support provided)
* 3-year fixed term (possible extension)
* Protecting the Lake Eyre Basin for Future Generations
The Compan
yOur Client, Desert Channels Group, (DCQ) is the leading natural resource management body for the Queensland section of the Lake Eyre Basin. Its mission is clear: to safeguard and enhance the soil, water, pastures, and biodiversity that make this region unique. Working in partnership with landholders, graziers, local councils, Traditional Owners, and communities, the organisation delivers projects that create lasting impact across 51 million hectares of Southern and Central West Queensland
**.
The Ro**
leDesert Channels Queensland (DCQ), part of DCG has reached an exciting stage in its growth, which in turn has created an opportunity for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to evolve and further increase the capability and scale of impact. With a community first and people lead approach, the CEO plays a key role in leading a dedicated team to deliver on the 2030 strategic priorities of strong leadership, partnerships and relationships, improved resilience of landscape, community engagement, and a skilled, connected and empowered workforc
e.
The role is a 3-year contract with possible extension, commencing in April or May 2026 (depending on notice period). The position is required to be based in Longreach given the presence is essential for leading the organisation effectively, engaging with local stakeholders, and maintaining a strong connection to the region's landscapes and communities. Frequent travel across the Desert Channels region to meet with government agencies, funders, and key partners will be required. This may require planned time away from home, often involving travel over long distances, including through remote and rural are
**as.
Key Roles & Responsibili**
tiesAs CEO of DCQ, you will lead a dynamic natural resource management organisation responsible for the Queensland section of the Lake Eyre Basin. This role invol
* ves:Providing strategic leadership and working closely with the Board to set future direct
* ion.Managing a team of 21 full-time and 2 part-time staff, along with contract
* ors.Overseeing an annual budget of $8M–$9M and ensuring financial sustainabil
* ity.Driving program delivery across 51 million hectares of outback country, including initiatives in soil, water, biodiversity, and sustainable agricult
* ure.Building strong partnerships with landholders, Traditional Owners, government agencies, and community stakehold
* ers.Representing DCQ as an ambassador in public forums, media, and netwo
* rks.Ensuring compliance with governance standards and organisational polic
**ies.
Abou**
t YouYou are a strategic, values-driven community focused leader with a genuine passion for sustainable landscapes and resilient communities. You align with DCQ's mission to protect and enhance the Queensland section of the Lake Eyre Basin for future generations. Collaboration is at the heart of your approach, you build strong partnerships with landholders, Traditional Owners, government, and community stakeholders. Additionally, you thrive on leading change, inspiring teams, and delivering practical solutions that balance environmental stewardship with economic and social outc
**omes.
Required Skills & Profici**
enciesTo succeed in this role, you will
* bring:Strategic Th
inking: ability to think creatively and holistically, identify opportunities for growth and diversification, and build strategic alliances that align with DCQ's long-term vision and strategic
* plan.Charismatic and Inclusive Lead
ership: strong ability to inspire and motivate geographically dispersed teams, while fostering a positive organisational culture that values equity, diversity, and incl
* usion.Governance Capa
bility: including corporate governance, compliance, and risk management, with a proven track record of building transparent and collaborative working relationships with Board me
* mbers.Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Mana
gement: extensive experience in stakeholder mapping and maintaining partnerships with landholders, Traditional Owners, government agencies, investors, contractors, and local commun
* ities.Natural Resource Management Exp
ertise: ideally with deep experience in NRM, agriculture, or related fields. A strong practical understanding of current environmental and sustainability frameworks (e.g. ESG, natural capital accounting, Net Zero strategies) is esse
* ntial.Accountability and Operational Ove
rsight: experience in managing human, financial, and physical resources, along with strategic planning and organisational performance monit
* oring.Advocacy and Brand Mana
gement: capability to serve as a compelling ambassador for DCQ. This includes representing the organisation in public forums, media, and across networks, while maintaining DCQ's reputation and securing stakeholder confi
* dence.Innovation and Adapta
bility: a proactive mindset that embraces change, technological innovation, and an ability to develop new models for funding, service delivery, and environmental i
* mpact.Financial
Acumen: demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets, deliver financial sustainability, and attract diversified funding from government, private sector, and philanthropic so
**urces.
Additional Requi**
rementsRelevant qualifications in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related fields are essential. Postgraduate business or management qualifications will be highly re
garded.
The successful applicant will also be expected to demonstrate knowledge or the ability to quickly acquire an understan
* ding of:Contemporary natural resource management issues relevant to the Desert Channel
* s regionThe operational and environmental challenges specific to remote, arid, and semi-arid la
* ndscapesIndigenous land management practices, cultural awareness, and respectful engagement with Traditiona
l Owners
Travel within the region will include driving on unsealed roads and in remote environments, hence. experience in four-wheel driving would be an a
**dvantage.
Rewards &am**
p; CultureFor those passionate about environmental sustainability, rural communities, and land stewardship, the opportunity to be the next CEO for Desert Channels Group in Longreach offers both a meaningful professional challenge and a fulfilling lifestyle in a close-knit outback setting. Relocating to Longreach offers the opportunity to live and work at the heart of one of Australia's most iconic and ecologically important regions. With a strong sense of community, rich cultural heritage, and a landscape unlike anywhere else, Longreach provides an exceptional lifestyle for individuals and famil
ies alike.
Some of the additional key benefi
* ts include:Relocation and rental accommodation support (tailored to indivi
* dual needs)5 weeks a
* nnual leave12.75% super, remote area tax concessions and salary sacrif
* ice options4WD vehicle provided for work travel and p
ersonal use
How to ApplyApply now by submitting your current CV and c
over letter (in
Word format) via our online application process. For a confidential discussion or to review the information pack and full PD please contact Claire Black on or via
To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work
in Australia.Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustm
**ents for you.
Holiday**
Closure NoticePlease note that Talent Nation will be closed from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. Our office will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. Applications are welcome during this period and will be reviewed upon our return. We will respond to all submissions from January 5,
2026, onward.
We look forward to connecting with you i
n the new year.