Vacancy Details

Senior Data Analyst, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program
APS6

Townsville, QLD
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Sunday 29 March 2026, 11:59pm

 

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 a Senior Data Analyst to join our team, working to manage, extract and interpret Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) Control Program data to inform our management actions. This position provides essential technical expertise in data analysis, integration and visualisation to inform strategic planning, track operational delivery and report reef protection outcomes. This position works collaboratively with internal colleagues, research partners and stakeholders to develop and improve the data management, analytical and decision support systems used in the COTS Control Program and across the Reef Authority. 

About You

  • You have skill and experience in data analysis and visualisation using a variety of systems and software.
  • You are a natural problem solver, diligent and driven to succeed.
  • You thrive under pressure, have an eye for detail and can manage competing priorities.
  • You provide quality advice in your area of expertise and communicate tactfully with colleagues and external stakeholders.

Duties

  • Develop and improve data management systems, analysis and visualisation tools to enable effective integration and reporting of COTS Control Program data.
  • Assembly, analysis and synthesis of ecological, physical and operational data to generate actionable intelligence that informs COTS Control Program strategic and tactical planning, and guides on-water operations. 
  • Prepare written and visual products to communicate COTS Control Program strategy, operations and outcomes to partners, stakeholders and general audiences.
  • Lead analysis and authoring of scientific articles relevant to the COTS Control Program.
  • Provide expert, timely, practical, transparent and risk-based advice to colleagues and supervisors on matters relevant to the COTS Control Program.
  • Collaborate with partner science agencies to design, implement and deliver targeted research projects that enhance our understanding and management of COTS outbreaks. 
  • Represent the COTS Control Program at scientific conferences and provide expert advice on the use and interpretation of Program data in cross-agency initiatives aimed at enhancing data management and visualisation systems.
  • Assist with quality assurance of in-field data collection processes to ensure high quality program delivery, data management and reporting.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr David Williamson, Assistant Director COTS Science Management, 0439 926 915 / David.Williamson@gbrmpa.gov.au

Essential Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis, visualisation and interpretation of ecological data, using a scripting language such as R or Python.
  • Advanced knowledge of and experience building Dashboards using MS Power BI or similar.
  • Demonstrated experience using DAX and M programming languages for data manipulation.
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications (postgraduate, or equivalent experience) in marine or environmental sciences, ecological modelling, statistics or data science.
  • Demonstrated understanding of complex ecological systems and the common statistical methods used to analyse them

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.