You're not just looking for 'a job' and we're not just looking for an 'employee',

So what's this all about then?

Picture yourself waking up to the rhythm of waves lapping against the shore, working alongside people who carry centuries of wisdom in their stories, and knowing that what you do today will matter for generations to come.

Welcome to the Torres Strait.

This region holds a unique place in the natural, cultural and social fabric of Australia.

It’s sometimes called the hidden pearl of Australia and we think the people we’re looking for are going to be equally rare and special.

We're looking for two special people to help us ensure the Torres Strait is preserved for generations to come.

If you’re passionate about the environment, have a deep respect for Indigenous cultures and are excited by the opportunity to use your project management experience to help preserve this special region, this might be your dream job.

We know you’re out there somewhere just waiting to be discovered, a bit like a hidden pearl, so this campaign is like our deep dive into the oceans of talent to find you.

What do we do here at the LSMU?

The Land Sea and Marine Unit (LSMU) is part of the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Environmental Management Program.

The region’s spectacular diversity of natural and cultural values, enduring Ailan Kastom and complex jurisdictional and administrative arrangements provides equal measure of opportunity and challenge for the ongoing conservation, management and sustainable use of the region’s natural resources.

This Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait aims to achieve the following vision:

"Empowering Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples to sustainably manage and benefit from their land, sea and cultural resources into the future, in accordance with Ailan Kastom, Aboriginal Lore/Law and native title rights and interests."

Land and sea management has been central to Torres Strait culture for thousands of years and will continue to be an important part of the future for Indigenous peoples of the region.

It is our job to provide the infrastructure and resources to support the practice of traditional ecological knowledge and offer modern insights where needed to preserve the land and sea country and help the community continue to thrive.

Are you one of the hidden pearls we’re looking for?

✅ You lead with your heart and your hands.

✅ You know that leadership in environmental conservation roles isn't about sitting behind a desk – it's about rolling up your sleeves and working alongside your team.

✅ You believe that the best ideas often come from listening rather than talking.

✅ You’re a leader who’s not just here to guide but to grow; not just to oversee, but to uplift.

✅ You’ve been around the block in environmental management, sure. But more importantly, you know the best teams are built on respect, patience, and understanding.

✅ You're the kind of person who gets excited about learning new ways of seeing the world and isn't afraid to admit when traditional knowledge trumps textbook solutions.

✅ The idea of light aircraft and helicopter travel between remote islands sounds amazing (not scary).

You'll be nodding your head to these statements

I’m a seasoned professional in environmental management with a knack for leading diverse teams.

I’m a respectful and patient communicator, capable of fostering strong partnerships within culturally rich settings.

I’m a life-long learner eager to blend scientific methods with traditional knowledge to achieve conservation goals that respect our heritage and our future.

What You'll Do

Each successful Ranger Operations Project Manager will be the backbone for their team of rangers scattered across these beautiful islands.

Our team is made up of 55 Rangers across 14 Ranger groups, so each PM will be leading approximately half of the overall team.

Think less traditional manager, more trusted guide.

You'll be there to clear obstacles from their path, share what you know, and (here's the beautiful part) learn things that no textbook could teach you about caring for the land and sea country.

This work isn't about ticking boxes.

It's about building bridges between modern conservation and ancient wisdom to keep this region healthy for generations to come.

You'll work with everyone from Traditional Owners who know every fish in the sea to government officials who help with the resources to protect it.

Your three key areas of responsibility will be:

Manage and Mentor: Oversee the day-to-day operations of our dedicated rangers. Lead a team of 35 spirited individuals across the islands, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive.

Empower and Educate: Work side by side with the rangers, sharing your expertise while absorbing traditional ecological knowledge that has preserved these islands for millennia.

Coordinate and Cultivate: Maintain relationships with local communities and government authorities to promote sustainable practices that honour our culture and conserve our resources.

Why this matters

In this role, you will ensure the preservation of our land and sea for future generations.

Directly through the day-to-day work you and your team do, and indirectly by equipping and empowering your team so that when you leave, they can pass on their new skills to the community.

Your leadership will help maintain the ecological balance of the region while supporting the community's connection to their cultural practices and rights.

What’s in it for you?

A competitive salary package and 15.4% super with additional benefits including relocation assistance and remote locality allowances.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work in one of the most visually stunning and culturally rich parts of Australia.

A meaningful career where your impact goes beyond the office – it stretches to the sands and seas of the Torres Strait and to helping preserve the great Barrier Reef.

The Torres Strait isn't just a beautiful place – it's one of the last places on Earth where nature and culture dance together in ways that would take a lifetime to fully understand.

PS - This is not a holiday

As stunning as the region is, this job is all about people and nature, it's not a 9-5 and things can be unpredictable.

So please don’t apply unless you’re up for the challenge and excited by the opportunity.

There are amazing days, laughs, wins and so many unforgettable moments with great people, but will also be some very tough days, heart-breaking situations and your to-do list will feel like it's never 'done' because nature is infinite.

It takes a special kind of person to thrive here.

But if you're still reading, if something in your gut is telling you this could be your next great adventure and if the chance to live and work in this amazing region has you feeling lit up it could be your perfect role.

Come write your chapter in our story of culture, conservation, and community. The Torres Strait is waiting.

APS Role Details

These two roles are full-time, non-ongoing, identified roles, with merit pool for 18 months.

They are classified as Executive Level 1 positions and the two successful candidates will be based on Thursday Island.

How to Apply

Please get a copy of the Application Pack by clicking Quick Apply to find out more about this role.

It’s been designed to answer all your questions and help you decide whether this is really the role for you.

Inside you’ll get:

✅ A video from Dr. Billie Roberts talking about the role, the team and her leadership style (she will be your manager in this role)

✅ The position description

✅ Package information

✅ Testimonials from other team members

✅ Videos about the region and the Ranger Ops program

✅ The link to the official application form for the position

The pack will be sent to you automatically by email when you click Quick Apply.

Please note:

➡️ Applications from candidates who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or who have connections to an Indigenous community are strongly encouraged, even if you feel you may not meet all the criteria.

➡️ We are looking for the right person for the role and are open minded about your background and education, culture fit, leadership skills and ability are most important.

➡️ We have made every effort to answer all the most common questions you might have in the Application Pack so please get a copy of that and read it before reaching out.

❌ Rather than reaching out to TSRA directly, please follow the process we have designed as they have entrusted us to look after the process for them as their recruitment partners.

✅ We've designed this process with the TSRA team to help streamline applications and ensure every candidate has the same experience, gets the same information quickly and has a fair and equitable opportunity to be considered for this role.

➡️ If you have technical difficulties please email us at [email protected] (please only email us for other reasons if you really need us - we've created the pack to answer all the initial questions you might have)