Vacancy Details

Technical Specialist – Permissions System
APS6

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

 

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 experienced and innovative Technology Specialist to lead the uplift of the application systems supporting the Permission System, to a more modern and secure platform, while maintaining existing functionality. 

This position supports the Assistant Director Permission Systems and Compliance and the broader Environmental Assessment and Protection team with application systems management. This position is responsible for providing accurate and specialised technical IT advice and deliver continuous functionality of technologies and business systems utilised within the Permission System. In particular, troubleshooting, management of external contractors, development of test cases and testing, and maintaining awareness of emerging technologies and their potential applications.

About You

  • You have excellent time management skills as well as the ability to manage complex issues and competing priorities within timeframes.
  • You have exceptional attention to detail, maintain focus on quality and are known for seeing things through.
  • You can reliably provide accurate and specialised technical IT advice to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • You lead change effectively, helping others adopt new technologies and processes. 
  • You stay informed on emerging technologies and their potential applications. 
  • You can make decisions using good judgement, expertise and knowledge, under limited guidance.
  • You are an innovative thinker, driving new ideas and solutions. 
  • You have excellent written and verbal communication and listening skills, including the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences and convey complex matters in unambiguous and persuasive language.

Duties

  • Lead change management and implementation of modern record and data management to support the Permission System, including formulating necessary policies and procedures.
  • Be accountable for the continuous functionality of technologies and business systems utilised within the Permission System, emphasising data security and integrity, application functionality and security, and user-friendly interfaces, including contract management for external service providers within budget. 
  • Facilitate the identification, research, development, testing, and implementation of technology solutions to enhance the Permission System. 
  • Generate comprehensive reports, analysis, cost estimates, and technology solutions and business systems recommendations. 
  • Be accountable for providing professional and technical advice in relation to complex problems regarding data and application system operations that is informed, timely, practical, transparent and risk based. 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kevin Grimble, Acting Assistant Director – Permission Systems and Compliance, Ph. 07 4750 0660

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.

How to apply 

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.