Area Manager | Full-time Permanent

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Capital Territory Government in Canberra is seeking an experienced Area Manager to lead the management of Canberra Nature Park South, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Googong Foreshores, and associated Healthy Waterways sites. You will oversee natural resource management, asset protection, visitor services and operational programs across a diverse portfolio.

As a senior leader, you will plan, coordinate and monitor activities, manage facilities and staff, and foster a safe, inclusive,

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-site natural resource programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage safety, risk and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of Canberra Nature Park South, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Googong Foreshores and Healthy Waterways sites.
• Oversee natural resource management, asset protection, visitor services and operational programs.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor activities; manage facilities and depots.
• Provide strong staff leadership and foster a safe, inclusive, high‑performing workplace.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the branch and broader management team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

People management

Health and safety

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in environment or natural resources

Job description

Details

We are seeking an experienced and Area Manager to lead the management of Canberra Nature Park South, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Googong Foreshores, and selected Healthy Waterways program sites. This role is responsible for overseeing natural resource management, asset protection, visitor services, and operational programs across a diverse portfolio of reserves and public land, ensuring outcomes are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with strategic objectives.

As a senior leader, you will plan, coordinate and monitor operational and project activities, manage facilities and depots, and provide strong leadership to staff. You will foster a positive, inclusive and high‑performing workplace culture, championing workplace health and safety, staff development, diversity and continuous improvement. You will also contribute to the strategic direction of the branch as a member of the broader management team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader who can balance operational delivery, people leadership and strategic thinking while helping protect and enhance some of the ACT’s most valued natural assets.

Eligibility/Other Requirements

Mandatory

• Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra
• Possess a manual driver’ license.
• Experience undertaking incident management duties including participation in fire standby, suppression and training.
• This position may require a pre‑employment medical.

Highly Desirable

• A tertiary degree in environment or natural resource management with diversified experience of 8+ years AND/OR equivalent associated natural resource management/environmental science qualifications (e.g. cert IV, associate diploma) AND/OR extensive experience in a relevant field.

Note

An order of merit will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months.

Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.

Applicants should note that a Joint Selection Committee (JSC) established in accordance with the collective/enterprise agreement provisions will assess all applications for this position.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .