Executive Director, Northern Parks And Forests Regional Operations

Position Status: 12 Month Contract
Position Type: Flexible full-time
Location: Mackay, Townsville or Cairns
Closing Date: 15 April 2024
Remuneration Level: SES2 High
  

The role

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is a diverse organisation that brings together environment, heritage protection, national parks, science, and multicultural affairs functions to help achieve government objectives for a better Queensland.
As Executive Director, you will provide vision, direction and leadership for the overall management of the Northern Parks & Forests consistent with the government’s policy position regarding national parks.
You will be responsible for ensuring capability within this area, as well as the following key functions:

• Ensure effective management of Queensland’s protected area estate including national parks, conservation parks, resources reserves, state forests, world heritage and international agreement areas
• Contribute to the development of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships strategic and operational plans to meet the government’s commitments and objectives in supporting improved access and managing visitor experiences within QLD Parks and Forests
• Provide strategic leadership in the development of effective business plans including capital works programs, national parks infrastructure, pest and fire programs, disaster recovery, and conservation employment initiatives, by analysing, planning and prioritising regional activities, and ensuring effective implementation and ongoing review across the regions
• Provide high level advice and support regarding the management and legislative arrangements necessary to ensure that approved uses are balanced with the conservation of QLD’s protected areas
• Ensure delivery of, and timely reporting on outputs and compliance with all statutory requirements and obligations
• Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of First Nations people and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations people

  
The ideal candidate

With a multi-disciplinary workforce of over 300 people, covering vast areas of Queensland, this role requires a leader that has a strong people focus. A leader that can look at challenges and use the considerable knowledge and experience around them to offer tailored solutions.
It is not essential to have extensive experience within a parks environment, with this expertise being in abundance throughout the department. Your proven ability to plan, prioritise and offer new and innovative ways to lead a regional workforce will be held in high regard.
You will also have the ability to recognise and articulate the interests of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and expertise in consultation in accordance with cultural protocols.
The position requires:

• Superior leadership and management skills, including management of a budget allocation of approximately $70m OPEX and $17m CAPEX
• An ability to work in a high-pressure environment and anticipating and resolving emerging and sensitive issues
• High level skills in developing innovative policy and strategic options and a proven record in ethical decision making
• Outstanding abilities in policy formulation and implementation, strategic planning, business planning, performance management and evaluation
• A proven client focus with high level consultation, negotiation, coordination and public relations skills and the ability to professionally represent the department, establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• The ability to communicate with influence by engaging clearly with a broad audience, listen, understand and adapt to the situation while ensuring focus on the desired objectives
• Contribution to workplace equity and diversity that enriches our culture, innovation, respect and inclusion

  
Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory qualifications for the role (other than working rights in Australia), or an expectation that applicants have previous experience within environment, heritage protection or national parks. What you will be assessed upon is your ability to meet the above requirements to a high degree.
  
  
How to Apply

To apply, you will require the following:

• Your current CV of no more than 4 pages.
• A short 2-page statement that briefly describes why you are the best suited person for this role. Please affirm your Australian work rights status and if you identify as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Cultural referee: please nominate (or obtain written reference from) an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander person who can attest to your knowledge, skills, or experience to demonstrate cultural capabilities as required. The nominated person may be a community member, supervisor, or work colleague.

To obtain a copy of the full position description or to submit your application, please contact Dan Wilson at First Grade on *************@firstgrade.com.au

If you require any additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process to help you demonstrate your ability to meet the inherent requirements of the role, please contact Dan at the above email address.