Vacancy Details

Senior Permits Assessor
APS5

Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 22 November 2026, 11:59pm AEST

 

The Position

We are seeking a scientist/environmental impact assessment professional to join our assessments and permissions team.  The team works to protect the marine park whilst providing for a range of sustainable user experiences, varying from popular tourism activities, research permissions, structures and major projects.

This position is responsible for undertaking environmental impact assessments for proposed activities within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including impact mitigation, pre-application advice, and post permit management. The position will assess applications in accordance with the relevant legislation, policies and guidelines, make recommendations and provide technical advice on the issue of permissions and related conditions.

We're looking for two people to join the team, with one ongoing position and one non-ongoing position available until 24 September 2027.

What you'll do

  • Apply working knowledge, precedent and established legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines to manager, prepare and coordinate complex environmental impact assessments and permits relating to activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including provision of specialist and technical advice; research, interpretation and application of legislation in complex and/or sensitive situations; preparing briefing material and analytical reports and exercising delegations appropriately in relation to permit process and decisions.
  • Build and sustain collaborative relationships, consult and partner with internal and external stakeholders on issues relating to environmental impact assessment and management within or adjacent to the Marine Park. 
  • Contribute to the development of policies and processes to streamline decision-making, improve regulatory practice, and drive continuous improvement in the delivery of permissions. 
  • Mentor and guide Permit Assessors within the broader team. 

What you'll bring

  • You are a problem solver with an eye for detail and proven ability to manage competing tasks and meet timeframes.
  • You will have, or be able to quickly acquire, an ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation/policy, ideally in the marine environment.
  • You will be experienced in negotiation, relationship and stakeholder management.
  • You are resilient and enjoy being part of a collaborative team.
  • You are supportive of strategic direction and can clearly articulate the organisation’s goals

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ed Roberts, Assistant Director – Science, Government and Ports, Ph. (07) 4750 0813

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

Essential Requirements

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.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience 

  • Tertiary qualifications (or equivalent experience) in environmental or marine science, environmental impact assessment, natural resource management, marine ecology or related discipline.
  • Knowledge of the multiple uses of, and the management framework for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

How to apply 

The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.

While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.

Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

  1. how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
  2. any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
  3. how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.

When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.

Please complete your application online and provide:

  • your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
  • proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
  • a current curriculum vitae (resume)

Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website. 

PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.

Notes

  • The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
  • We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.  For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility 

Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to: 

  • Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999. 
  • Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level. 
  • Evidence of citizenship status. 
  • Evidence of qualifications required of the role. 
  • Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority. 
  • The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement. 
  • The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.