Director TUMRA (Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements)
Affirmative Measures - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
EL2
Townsville, QLD; Cairns, QLD
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 21 September 2025
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
This position requires a detailed understanding of the cultural connection of Traditional Owners with the Great Barrier Reef. The position will work closely with Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owners and other First Nations people including remote communities, corporations and bodies established to assist First Nations people and business.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is only open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander applicants (further information is provided in the eligibility requirements section below).
About You
* You understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's spiritual connection to Country and can clearly articulate and apply principles of cultural authority, traditional lore, and customs for managing Country.
* You have a sound understanding of how government policies and initiatives, such as Closing the Gap and the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, contribute to improving outcomes for First Nations people.
* You are a leader with strategic vision who can motivate and inspire others and set an example through your actions.
* You are experienced in building and maintaining high level relationships that achieve enduring partnerships, particularly with First Nations people.
* You demonstrate reliance, strong attention to detail and the ability to remain composed and effective when managing competing priorities or complex challenges. You will represent the Reef Authority at internal and external forums and negotiate sensitively on a range of complex matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead a multi-disciplinary team in a dynamic environment to deliver high quality outcomes, meet deadlines and achieve organisational goals.
* Provide high level and timely advice to senior executives of the Reef Authority, the Marine Park Authority Board and the Australian Government on the strategic and operational delivery of Reef Authority Programs as they relate to Traditional Owners.
* Develop and maintain high level relationships by working collaboratively and persuasively with Australian and Queensland government agencies, Traditional Owners and Marine Park users and stakeholders.
* Negotiate persuasively with internal and external stakeholders, providing high-quality verbal and written briefs, reports, and submissions.
* Work within the Reef Authority to improve how its legislation, policy and operational delivery achieves culturally appropriate outcomes in a government and/or Traditional Owner setting.
* Foster and promote a culture of risk and safety management across the organisation and suggest improvements, particularly in the delivery of remote field activities
For more information about this opportunity, please contactRichard Quincey, General Manager, Marine Park Operations,
Eligibility
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and is only open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. This means applicants must:
a) be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
b) identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
c) are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Applicants shortlisted for interview will need to provide evidence at interview to confirm eligibility under the above affirmative measure. Acceptable evidence includes:
i. a letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that they are recognised as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or
ii. a confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation.
The successful candidate will have:
* Extensive experience working in partnership with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples/communities to apply principles of cultural authority, traditional lore, and customs for managing Country.
* The ability to travel, sometimes overnight or for multiple days, including to remote and regional locations, and
* Hold and maintain a current unrestricted Australian issued driver's licence (preferably with 4-wheel drive experience) or be able to obtain one within a reasonable time frame.
To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
The position requires a Baseline 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.
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:
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.