Senior Policy Officer, Environment, Tourism, Science And Innovation

Queensland Government; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Queensland Government seeks a Senior Policy Officer in Cairns to shape legislation, regulatory policy and conservation outcomes across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Southern Marine Parks.

You will provide expert policy advice, work with stakeholders, support complex management decisions and help reform policy to protect Queensland's natural assets while balancing community needs.

Qualifications

• Strategic policy development experience.
• Ability to influence decisions and drive environmental outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Proven leadership in complex, cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Shape policy and regulatory reform for GBRMP regions.
• Provide expert legislative and policy guidance to operational teams.
• Support complex management decisions to protect natural assets.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver practical conservation outcomes.
• Drive accountability and visibility of policy outcomes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Adaptability

Job description

Join Our Team - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Region

Purpose + People = Success

• Purpose - We care for Queensland's natural places by building strong connections with people, wildlife, and the landscapes we protect
• People - We are passionate, proud, and driven to be our best, working together to collaborate, innovate, and keep each other safe
• Success - We create lasting, positive impact—where nature thrives, and communities value and connect with the environment

The Opportunity: AO6, Senior Policy Officer
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future management of some of Australia's most iconic island and marine protected areas. As a Senior Policy Officer with the Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region, you will provide expert legislative, regulatory and policy advice, shape policy reform, support complex management decisions, and work closely with operational teams to deliver practical conservation outcomes across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Southern Marine Parks. Combining strategic policy development with real-world environmental management, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while working with a diverse range of stakeholders to protect and sustainably manage Queensland's natural assets.

Before You Apply...

Please note: A current Manual Driver's Licence is essential for successful applicants.

Why Join Us:

Because here, your work matters. You'll contribute to something bigger—protecting Queensland's natural heritage while building a career filled with variety, adventure, and purpose. Be part of a passionate & supportive Regional Leadership Team that values collaboration, diversity, and safety—on the water and on land.

What You'll Do:

This role offers a rare blend of strategic policy development and real-world conservation, where your advice will help guide critical management decisions, influence policy reform and support the sustainable management of globally significant protected areas. Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, you'll tackle complex issues, provide expert legislative and policy guidance, and contribute to outcomes that make a genuine difference. If you want your work to have purpose, visibility and lasting impact, this role delivers an opportunity few others can offer.

What We're Looking For:

• A strategic thinker who can shape policy, influence decisions and drive meaningful environmental outcomes.
• A natural leader who thrives in complexity, inspires others and leads through collaboration and action.
• A problem solver who can cut through ambiguity, analyse issues and deliver practical, fit-for-purpose solutions.
• A trusted relationship builder who can confidently engage, influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• A motivated self-starter who embraces change, manages competing priorities and delivers results in a fast-paced environment.

If you're passionate about protecting the Great Barrier Reef and want your work to have a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Senior Policy Officer, Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Cairns, Australia