Senior Planning Manager

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

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.

Working within the Kakadu Futures Taskforce and Planning section, the team supports the on-ground operational and strategic needs of Kakadu National Park (KNP) by performing a range of key planning, policy and assessment functions for the park under the Management Plan.

The Job

• Working with the Kakadu Board of Management and Traditional Owners to lead the preparation of the 7th Kakadu Management Plan, in accordance with the Lease Agreements, the EPBC Act, the current management plan and relevant strategies and policies, including managing the planning team to deliver the management plan project in a timely manner.
• Analysing existing material (including the evaluation report for the current management plan, other plans, strategies and reports, Board decisions) for any changes required for the new plan and providing innovative solutions to improve the next management plan.
• Developing and maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders supporting the management plan development process and leading and facilitating meetings.
• Overseeing the drafting of high-quality written material and analysis, which will include briefs, Board papers, reports, communication materials and correspondence.
• Supervising the drafting of the new plan suitable for legal and budget review and provision to the Board of Management for clearance.
• Working effectively and co-operatively with the senior management team and wider Parks Australia staff.
• Leading and managing a small team of staff and operational budget to deliver the project.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Experience in leading or managing the delivery of complex or high-profile projects.
• Someone who is dynamic and innovative and can work with Indigenous landowners and stakeholders in a joint management context to achieve results.
• Experience in project management, planning and policy development and understanding of the EPBC Act requirements for management plans and World Heritage obligations.

Skills and capabilities

You must be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to work jointly with Indigenous people in remote locations and contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of a World Heritage National Park.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in protected area or similar planning with an emphasis on cultural and natural heritage.
• Demonstrate experience to successfully manage and deliver complex planning projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to work collaboratively within Parks Australia to deliver planning outcomes.
• Demonstrate ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships and work sensitively with a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic judgement and organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an attention to detail including the ability to effectively and sensitively engage and negotiate with Indigenous people.
• Ability to manage a budget and build and lead a cohesive small team to deliver project outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Desirable qualifications

Relevant qualifications in protected area planning and or project management is highly desirable.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold or have 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.

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.

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.