Marine Science jobs

• Contribute to the protection of Australia's marine parks and the unique species and ecosystems they support.
• Help shape environmental decision-making through the assessment of proposed activities and preparation of high-quality, evidence based reccomendations.
• Work in a collaborative, supportive team with exposure to a range of sectors.

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.

Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks protect the diversity of life in our oceans–from astonishing coral reefs in our tropical seas to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains in temperate marine regions. This branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance.

The Authorisations and Compliance Section performs the marine park regulator function for Parks Australia through delivering authorisation assessments and compliance operations, strategy and monitoring. Our work directly contributes to the protection of the unique marine park environments and the species and communities that depend upon them.

The job

• Assess applications seeking approval to undertake proposed activities in marine parks and present the delegate with clear, well-reasoned recommendations to inform decision-making.
• Assess the environmental impacts from a broad range of activities.
• Participate in meetings with other Commonwealth regulators, industry and peak bodies.
• Contribute to the development of policy and regulatory approaches.
• Prepare high-quality briefs and correspondence to support effective decision-making.

What you'll gain from the experience

• Develop strong skills in regulatory assessment and evidence-based decision-making within Australia’s marine park network.
• Build capability in assessing environmental impacts and preparing clear, high-quality recommendations that inform Commonwealth regulatory outcomes.
• Strengthen your stakeholder engagement skills through collaboration with Commonwealth regulators, industry representatives and peak bodies.
• Gain exposure to policy development and contribute to shaping regulatory approaches for the protection of Australia’s marine environment.
• Expand your capability in data management, reporting and continuous improvement of policies and practices.
• Build experience in a nationally significant environmental regulator, working within a collaborative team environment focused on continuous learning and development.

What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients.

Skills and capabilities

• Excellent judgement and use of evidence-based decision making.
• Curiosity and an ability to draw upon and analyse diverse information.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptive to shifting priorities and developing knowledge across a broad range of matters.
• An understanding of the issues affecting First Nations People.

Desirable qualifications

• Qualifications in a relevant area of marine, biological, natural resources, environmental science or regulatory assessment is desirable but not necessary.

Eligibility
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment checks - 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.

The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.

For more information, see:

• Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
• AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission