AddressWho we are
Australia's natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.
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 Kakadu Futures Taskforce and Planning section which supports the operational and strategic needs of Kakadu National Park by performing a range of key planning, policy and assessment functions for the park under the Kakadu National Park Management Plan 2026-2026 (Management Plan) and the Environment Biodiversity and Conservation (EPCB) Act 1999. The team is responsible for policy development within the park, environmental impact assessment of proposals, strategic planning and reporting on progress against the Kakadu National Park Management Plan and leads the development of the Management Plan.
The key duties of the position include
The Job
The Assessment Officer leads the processing of general and research permits in Kakadu National Park (excluding media and camping permits) and ensures compliance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Management Plan, Traditional Owner (TO) consultation procedures, the KNP Lease Agreements and other relevant protocols. The Assessment Officer also supports the PPA team by providing the key point of contact throughout the permitting process, carrying out a preliminary assessment of applications, guiding stakeholder engagement by Community Liaison Office, and briefing team leaders on these activities. Where necessary the Assessment Officer will participate in field work, and wider stakeholder engagement and consultations.
Duties will include:
- Managing the administration of the KNP permit process by assessing permit applications and processing all Category 1 general and research permits.
- Assisting with Category 2 assessments and approvals where necessary
- Managing the appropriate consultation process with TOs (via NLC or Community Liaison Officer)
- Liaising with KNP staff to ensure applications are appropriate and not inconsistent with the EPBC Act, Management Plan and relevant protocols (e.g. Research protocols)
- Providing a key point of contact for researchers, proponents, NT government staff, and consultants
- Maintaining record keeping and data management systems
- Ensuring compliance with permit conditions by tracking research reports, monitoring reports of non-compliance, and seeking feedback from stakeholders.
- Delivering secretariat services to the Kakadu Research and Management Advisory Committee including minutes, agenda preparation, and coordinating logistical support
- Supporting the wider section, as necessary with:
- Development of the new Management Plan.
- Reporting on the Management Plan.
- KNP planning and policy development.
- Data management and GIS as appropriate
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience
An awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations and the ability to develop relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and consideration of values and culture, including the ability to consult and negotiate sensitively and effectively with Bininj/Mungguy. Experience with regulatory processes and/or land management is highly desirable.
Skills and capabilities
- The ability to research, interpret, and apply legislation to proposals by third parties (including scientific researchers) and activities proposed by the Director of National Parks and Parks Staff where necessary.
- Proven organisational and time management skills, including:
- Excellent data management and electronic document handling skills.
- An ability to prioritise competing agendas, and to manage timeframes, and workloads independently.
- The ability to supervise staff.
- Demonstrated good verbal and written communication skills including the ability to:
- Distil complex scientific information into plain English, both written and verbal.
- Communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders including Bininj/Mungguy, researchers, and Parks Australia staff.
- Prepare documents such as newsletters, briefs, and presentations.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with other people, including Traditional Owners and relevant Aboriginal people, Parks Australia staff and people from other organisations.
- Work as part of a team.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of others.
The successful applicant must:
- Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
- Hold and maintain a current manual driver's license and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check.
- Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department's uniform policy.
- Wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.
Please note:
- The physical requirements of the role involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
- You will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses.
- You will be required to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters and manual four wheel drive vehicles.
Desirable qualifications
Qualifications in Land Management, Ecology, Environmental Law, or similar.
