Project Manager Natural Science

Townsville, Cairns, Canberra

Applications close Wednesday 11 June 2025

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.

Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.

The Position

We are seeking an enthusiastic professional to join a small team working to ensure the Reef Authority is focused on maximising Great Barrier Reef resilience, based on the best available science. We are seeking an experienced, outcomes-focused Project Manager to join our Science for Management team. As part of this team, you will provide a key enabling service to Marine Park Managers and Government more broadly, through coordination of natural science information and integration of this information into systems and processes.

This position will work closely with Agency staff, the science community, Indigenous knowledge holders and stakeholders to support the ongoing development of the online Reef Knowledge System. We are seeking an individual who has the skills to comprehend and synthesise large volumes of scientific information to inform a wide range of audiences through clear and concise written and oral communication.

The ideal candidate will be an effective team player, with strong project management skills, analysis skills and the initiative to seek out and identify new and emerging management levers, identify priorities and follow through with tangible deliverables for management.

About You

• You will have a comprehensive understanding of the science underpinning the management of the Great Barrier Reef.
• You have the proven ability to work collaboratively with individuals, stakeholders, the science community and management.
• You are a natural problem solver, a doer and are known for seeing things through.
• You are a strategic thinker who considers long-term and future actions.
• You are a clear communicator and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level project and contract management services to a high standard and coordinate input into scientific programs.
• Review, analyse, interpret and synthesise relevant data, scientific papers, technical reports and other information to inform marine park management, decision-support systems, policies and strategies.
• Support development and delivery of the Reef Authority’s Science Strategy, identification of priority knowledge gaps and engagement with knowledge holders and the science community to address these gaps in partnership.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality science communication and information products for government and stakeholders.
• Engage, consult and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and service providers to support the delivery of the Reef Authority’s priorities, and represent the Reef Authority as required.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Martina Prazeres, Assistant Director Natural Science, Ph. (07) 4750 0780

Eligibility

• The successful candidate will have tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) in environmental, marine science and related disciplines.
• To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
• The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
• The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.

If you're passionate about environmental impact, strategic thinking, and translating science into action, we want to hear from you. Apply now to help safeguard the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come.