An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join the Australia Zoo team as the ‘Government Relations Officer’!

Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.

The Key focus for the Government Relations Officer is to both build and maintain relationships with the federal, state and local governments to promote Wildlife Warriors, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and Australia Zoo.

This position will be responsible for researching and identifying government grant opportunities that will advance/enhance the mission and strategic direction of all entities.

The Government Relations Officer will require skills to grant write for funding opportunities whilst ensuring compliance with regulations.

Duties Include but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage relationships with federal, state and local governments on behalf of Wildlife Warriors, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge and Australia Zoo.
• Travel as requested to attend meetings with council and government officials.
• Be available to host official dignitary parties and government officials at Australia Zoo.
• Attend and contribute to SEQ Wildlife Hospital Network meetings and events.
• Advocate on funding topics, including government funding opportunities and collaborations.
• Work with federal, state and local governments on matters relating to the Australia Zoo Group.
• Research, monitor, analyse and evaluate legislation and regulation topics that may affect the Australia Zoo Group.
• Provide advice to the Wildlife Warriors board and the Australia Zoo Senior Management Team regarding issues pertinent to government policy and operations.
• Write, submit and monitor funding submissions.
• Write position and briefing papers in preparation for the Senior Management team when engaging with Ministers of Federal and State governments, as well as staff who may need preparation on occasion.
• Management of responses to grant submissions.
• Manage grant funding applications from submissions to acquittal and continue relations management beyond the grant cycle.
• Source data from other departments to align with potential grant opportunities.
• Research, develop, implement and maximise a strategy to assist with identifying new funding opportunities.
• Research future legislative requirements and compliance in relation to sustainability and emissions.
• Supervise Carbon Farming Projects, incorporating up-to-date regulatory knowledge, data analysis, modelling and reporting.
• Achieve strategic goals aligned by the Senior Management Team.
• Prepare and submit progress and update reports to Senior Management when requested.

Essential Criteria:

• Full availability, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
• The ability to travel for work when required.
• A knowledge and understanding of grant processes and current legislation.
• Self-motivation, attention-to-detail and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Great written and verbal communication skills.
• Presentation skills and public speaking skills.

Here is a checklist of information you will need to have ready before you start to complete the employment application form:

• Education history
• Employment history
• References
• Any qualifications you may have eg First Aid
• Any achievements you may like to tell us about
• your availability (what hours can you work)
• A resume in .pdf format
• Any other info that may support your application