Assistant Operations Manager (Affirmative Measure - Indigenous)

Affirmative measure - Indigenous employment - The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Who 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 Operations Section co-ordinates the operational or management strategies and programs for Kakadu National Park.

The Job

The Assistant Operations Manager, you will lead and coordinate the delivery of district work plans and solve problems in the joint management context. This includes:

• Management and leadership of cross-cultural operational units to contributing to management of Kakadu National Park.
• Work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Park staff and stakeholders to develop and help implement conservation and visitor management programs.
• Supervision of operational unit to implement annual plans for site management, resource allocations, WHS, monitoring and reporting.
• Implement annual compliance plans and undertake compliance and enforcement duties as per plan and consistent with Authorised Officer (EPBC Warden) powers of appointment.
• Lead the development of trip activity plans, vessel plans and search and rescue (SAR's) plans.
• Management and maintenance of key assets including vessels, vehicles, plant equipment and maintain asset registers.
• All duties will be performed in accordance with the Park's Lease Agreement, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Management Plan.
• Other duties as required.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing major projects and programs and you will need to demonstrate skills in this area. Communication skills are important, as well as other practical skills, such as the ability to drive a 4WD and a current first aid certificate. You may also need to participate in emergency responses, and lead compliance and enforcement activities. As an important member of our operations team, and a uniformed representative of Kakadu National Park, park visitors and tour operators will look to you for expert assistance and guidance.

Skills and capabilities:

• Experience working with Indigenous communities in remote locations such as Kakadu National Park to help implement longer-term management strategies that contribute sensitively and effectively to joint management.
• Demonstrated experience in protected area management programs with an emphasis on:
  • Assisting with operational planning, project delivery, incident reporting.
  • Implementing visitor management programs.
  • Participate in the implementation of natural and cultural resource management projects.
  • Experience undertaking basic mechanical repairs and maintenance of vehicles, vessels and plant equipment.
  • Incident management including firefighting, search and rescues and provision of first aid.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist in leading and develop staff in a remote and cross-cultural workplace, including performance and conflict management.
  • High level computer, oral and written communication skills, including experience in participatory engagement and capacity building within Aboriginal communities.

Desirable qualifications: Hold a current coxswain's licence or have the ability to obtain.

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 licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
• Meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed.
• Note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.
• Note that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position(s).
• Note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
• Note that the position may require them to participate in an on-call roster (for which an appropriate restriction allowance will be paid) and be available to perform duty outside standard hours.
• Note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work.
• Note that you must be able to obtain and hold an Employee Firearms Licence.
• Note that 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.
• Note that 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.
• Note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
• Participate in the Park's Duty Officer Roster involving after hours monitoring of emergency alarms and phones.
• Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department's uniform policy.

Eligibility and other requirements

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.

Pre-employment Check - 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 of 6 months.