Marine Park Operations Officer

Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 60 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks protect the diversity of life in our oceans–from coral reefs to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains. This branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance.

The marine environment that surrounds Christmas Island – like the island itself – is spectacular and home to a diverse array of species, including migratory, threatened and endemic species. The Christmas Island Marine Park was established in March 2022 to protect this unique marine environment and support its sustainable use. The park extends across 277,016 km2 of ocean, safeguarding coral reefs, giant seamounts, abyssal plains and vast areas of open ocean. The Christmas Island Marine Park adjoins Christmas Island National Park, connecting and increasing protection across land and sea for seabirds, land crabs and other species that require both environments for their survival.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

Under the broad direction of the Marine Parks Coordinator, assist in the delivery of natural resource management operations and stakeholder engagement activities for Christmas Island Marine Park. This includes:

• Supporting field operations for managing and monitoring marine habitats and species, including preparation, logistics, and safe implementation of marine park activities.
• Undertaking/developing stakeholder and community engagement, education, and communications, including supporting advisory meetings, liaising with local groups and developing communications products.
• Collecting and managing technical data from monitoring and research programs, and contributing to reports and documentation.
• Providing operational support for researchers and collaborating with community groups and organisations.
• Maintaining equipment and resources required for marine park operations.
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols during field activities and contributing to risk assessments.
• Participating in training and development to build capability in marine park management.
• Upholding workplace health and safety standards in all operations.

Mandatory qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Marine Science, Conservation Management, Environmental Science)
• Obtain/maintain a Working with Children and Vulnerable People Check in accordance with the department's Working with Children Policy.
• Obtain/maintain a First Aid certification and willingness to undertake relevant training.

Desirable qualifications

• Ability to operate small vessels and conduct on-water activities safely.
• Qualifications and experience in occupational SCUBA diving.

Additional requirements

• note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation,
• note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,
• note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work,
• note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses.