Vacancy Details

Compliance Officer
APS4

Townsville, QLD
Full-time; Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Specified term to 16 October 2026.
Applications close Monday 2 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 agile and detail-focused Compliance Officer to support the delivery of the Marine Parks permission compliance program. In this role, you'll help ensure sustainable use of the Reef by conducting audits, preparing official correpondence, analysing compliance report and working closely with partners across government, research, tourism and Traditional Owner groups. Your work will directly contribute to protecting the environmental, cultural and heritage values of the Reef for future generations. 

About You

  • You are able to think critically and apply logical and objective reasoning and judgement to solve problems of moderate complexity
  • You will have, or be able to quickly acquire and retain, an ability to interpret and apply relevant policy/legislation, ideally in the marine environment.
  • You have an eye for detail and proven ability to manage your own work including competing tasks and meeting timeframes.
  • You will be experienced in negotiation, relationship and stakeholder management.
  • You are resilient, have a strong sense of duty and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake regulatory compliance associated with Marine Park permissions and the Environmental Management Charge including the research, interpretation and application of relevant Commonwealth legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines.
  • Contribute to the recording, collation and presentation of compliance statistics as required and prepare official correspondence such as informal and formal education, requests for information and advisory letters. 
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the section, and actively participate in and contribute to continuous improvement of practices and procedures that achieve more efficient business outcomes. 
  • Engage and consult effectively with internal and external stakeholders and represent the Authority as required.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Georgia Hodgson, Acting Permits Compliance Manager, Ph. 07 4750 0616

Eligibility

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 non-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.