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
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 Permits, Licenses and Assessments Section is responsible for the regulation of activities in Kakadu National Park to protect its natural and cultural values and ensure that activities are consistent with relevant legislation and the park's Joint Management arrangements with its Traditional Owners,. The section does this by managing all permits, licenses, and other authorisation processes in Kakadu; assessing the impact of proposed activities and making recommendations to decision makers. The section consults broadly and coordinates expert advice from other sections in Kakadu, the Traditional Owners and key stakeholders in the park.
The key duties of the position include:
The Permits and Licences Manager leads a section responsible for regulating activities in Kakadu National Park, including permits and licences, stakeholder engagement, environmental impact assessment, and strategic planning. The role operates under broad direction and makes decisions with significant impact, requiring sound judgement and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Key duties include:
* Spearhead regulatory reform to achieve procedural consistency, regulatory maturity, and continuous improvement across permits and licences functions.
* Advise on or endorse complex or sensitive authorisations, "Ensuring robust decision-making aligned with legislation and policy.
* Develop and implement strategic work plans for the section, including resource allocation and financial management to meet objectives.
* Plan and monitor work processes, direct quality assurance practices, and set performance indicators to improve consistency and quality of regulatory outputs.
* Coordinate and undertake complex or sensitive projects that impact strategic, political, or operational outcomes for Kakadu and Parks Australia.
* Coordinate and communicate authorisations with KNP managers, the Kakadu Board, Board sub-committees, and key stakeholders.
* Act as a key point of contact for researchers, proponents, NT Government staff, and other stakeholders on permits, licences, and related authorisations.
* Contribute to the development of the new Kakadu National Park Management Plan, including drafting and consultation input on regulatory and compliance elements.
* Liaise with KNP staff to ensure activities within the Park comply with the EPBC Act, Kakadu National Park Management Plan, and relevant protocols (e.g., research protocols).
* Respond to Ministerial correspondence and coordination requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and risk-aware advice and briefings.
* Monitor outcomes and provide performance reporting and risk analysis to senior executive staff and the Director of National Parks.
* Provide high-level expert advice to planning and policy development, integrating regulatory insights and compliance requirements.
* Support the Country Manager with the Kakadu Research and Management Advisory Committee (KRaMAC) and Bininj/Mungguy Research Advisory Committee.
* Ensure strong levels of regulatory compliance and reporting, including audits, quality control activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Prepare briefing material and analytical reports for senior management and stakeholders.
* Build team capability through coaching, performance feedback, mentoring, and conflict resolution, ensuring high levels of specialist, professional, and technical expertise.
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.
Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Mandatory qualifications – Possess tertiary qualifications in conservation, environmental management, or related field of study.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Additional requirements
* Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
* Hold and maintain a current manual driver's licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
* Note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.
Notes
We currently have one vacancy available for immediate filling in Darwin - NT or Kakadu National Park - NT. A merit pool for filling the same or similar position in Darwin - NT or Kakadu National Park - NT may be established at the conclusion of this selection process.