Director - National Parks & Catchments

City and Environment; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The ACT Government's Directorate of National Parks & Catchments seeks a Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, and associated areas. This role will drive complex environmental and land-management programs with a multidisciplinary team.

You will lead budgets and resources, engage with stakeholders, and influence policy and operations across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large operational teams and complex programs.
• Strong strategic, financial and people management capabilities.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, collaboration and influencing outcomes.
• Commitment to public sector values and building a positive organisational culture.
• Experience in environmental, conservation, land management or natural resource management environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary workforce and oversee delivery of complex programs.
• Provide vision, direction and oversight for land management, conservation and visitor programs.
• Foster partnerships with government agencies, communities and stakeholders, and represent the Directorate in high-level forums.

Skills

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

People management

Education

Natural resource management qualification

Job description

The Director of National Parks & Catchments is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational management of Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the Lower Cotter Catchment, and associated rural and plantation areas across the ACT.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will provide vision, direction and oversight for the delivery of complex environmental, conservation, visitor management and asset protection programs. You will lead a multidisciplinary workforce, drive organisational performance, manage significant budgets and resources, and ensure the delivery of best-practice land management outcomes.

The role requires a highly capable leader who can foster strong partnerships with government agencies, community groups, Traditional Custodians, industry and interstate counterparts. You will represent the Directorate in high-level stakeholder forums and contribute to strategic policy and operational decision-making across the organisation.

We are seeking an accomplished leader with:

• Extensive experience leading large operational teams and complex programs.
• Strong strategic, financial and people management capabilities.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, collaboration and influencing outcomes.
• A commitment to public sector values and building a positive organisational culture.
• Experience in environmental, conservation, land management or natural resource management environments.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

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 drivers' licence.
• Experience undertaking incident management duties including participation in fire standby, suppression and training.

Highly Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications in natural resource management, or environmental management, or other relevant field.
• This position may require a pre-employment medical.

Notes:

This is a temporary position available from 02 November 2026 until 30 June 2029 with a possibility of extension and/or permanency. 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.