This role involves lead project management and strategic engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to shape and implement traditional owner policies and partnerships. Day to day you’ll manage projects, coordinate with stakeholders, draft policy components, and help deliver a responsive, inclusive strategy for the Reef Authority.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Project Manager Traditional Owner Strategies and Partnerships (Identified) |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768480 |
| Position Number | 516 |
| Classification | APS Level 6 |
| Salary | $99,733 – $111,702 per annum |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Ongoing; Non-Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Canberra ACT; Townsville QLD; Cairns QLD |
| Future Merit Locations | Various locations – ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, SA |
| Office Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Office Arrangement Details | Hybrid working arrangements are available and may be negotiated with the business area |
| Closing Date | Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/careers |
About the Opportunity
Join a mission-driven team at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, where protecting the Reef is paired with meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities. You’ll contribute to strategic policy development and the partnerships framework that helps ensure ecological protection alongside sustainable use. It’s a role for someone who wants to make a tangible difference across government and community stakeholders.
We value resilience, collaboration and clear communication. If you’re skilled at guiding complex projects and building trusted relationships, you’ll fit right in. The organisation prides itself on inclusion, delivering real outcomes for the Reef and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Develop and deliver Traditional Owner strategy and partnerships work | Policy development, plans, and Reef Authority contributions to forums and initiatives; align with strategic direction |
| Coordinate key deliverables | Reconciliation Action Plan, Engagement and Participation Framework, and Traditional Owner Partnerships Framework |
| Provide project management capability | Support successful outcomes in a strategic environment; apply legislative, financial, and administrative frameworks |
| Collaborate to implement strategies and policies | Manage projects; work with internal and external stakeholders to protect and conserve the Reef |
| Consultation and partnership across governments | Represent the Agency as required; engage with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities |
About You (Eligibility)
- Qualifications in project management, policy administration, or equivalent experience
- Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Willingness to work in an Identified role and engage with Indigenous communities
- Australian citizen at time of application; Baseline security clearance required
- Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication across agency levels
Important Information for Applicants
This vacancy is identified and intended to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. If you are a non-Indigenous applicant, you may be asked for an Indigenous reference to support your skills in the areas identified. To be eligible for employment, you must be an Australian citizen at the time of application, and you will need to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.
Keyword notice: jobs in australia for foreigners. We understand candidates may search with this term; however, eligibility is restricted to Australian citizens for this Identified position and security requirements apply.
Direct Answer
The role requires Australian citizenship and a Baseline security clearance. It is identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and applicants who are Indigenous are encouraged to apply. If you are not Indigenous, you may still apply but should be aware of the identification requirements and reference expectations described in the notes.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
The organisation supports diversity and inclusive practices across recruitment and work culture.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. If you declare a disability, you may be invited to participate in additional assessment activity. For details visit the APS RecruitAbility page.
Future Merit Pools
Opportunities may be considered for future merit pools depending on organisational needs and performance.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Brooke Owens, 0499 277 840 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | Candidate Kit link |
| Application Portal | Agency Recruitment Site |