Planning Officer

Work Initiatives; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Competitive employer superannuation (≤

Job summary

The Reef Authority is seeking a Planning Officer to contribute to policy, planning and regulatory frameworks protecting the Great Barrier Reef’s values while enabling ecologically sustainable use. You’ll bridge environmental legislation, evidence and practical management.

You’ll work with colleagues across disciplines to address management priorities, develop strategies, and engage with stakeholders including Traditional Owners and government agencies.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and applying policies and spatial management plans.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to analyse diverse data sources.
• Collaborative, adaptable approach with integrity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement spatial management strategies, policies and enabling legislation.
• Manage complex projects addressing Marine Park threats and uses.
• Prepare clear reports, strategies and data analysis.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders including the Queensland Government.
• Represent the Reef Authority in meetings with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and government agencies.

Skills

Policy development

Spatial management plans

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Marine or terrestrial natural resource management qualification

Tools

ArcGIS

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Help shape how the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is protected and used. As a Planning Officer in the Marine Park Policy and Planning section, you'll contribute to a policy, planning and regulatory framework that protects the Marine Park's values and enables ecologically sustainable use.

You’ll work at the intersection of environmental legislation, evidence and practical management. The role offers scope to explore innovative solutions while understanding the reasons behind existing policies and plans, working with colleagues across disciplines to address Marine Park management priorities.

What you’ll do

• Develop and implement spatial management strategies, policies and enabling legislation.
• Manage complex projects and contribute to initiatives that address Marine Park threats and uses.
• Prepare clear reports, strategies and data analysis.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, including the Queensland Government.
• Represent the Reef Authority in meetings and forums with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and government agencies.

What you’ll bring

• Experience developing and applying policies and spatial management plans.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to analyse diverse data sources.
• A collaborative, adaptable approach, personal drive and integrity.

Experience or relevant tertiary qualifications in marine or terrestrial natural resource management are desirable. Experience synthesising scientific information and publicly available data, including using tools such as ArcGIS, Excel or Power BI, and the ability to travel, sometimes overnight or for multiple days, are also desirable.

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you’ll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world’s most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You’ll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.