Senior Policy Officer, Environment, Tourism, Science And Innovation

Queensland Government; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Region, seeks a Senior Policy Officer AO6 to influence management of iconic island and marine protected areas through strategic policy development and practical conservation outcomes.

You will advise on legislation, work with diverse stakeholders, and support decisions that balance environmental protection with community interests, delivering real-world results across the World Heritage Area.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker capable of shaping policy decisions.
• Proven ability to develop policy and regulatory guidance.
• Skilled at engaging diverse stakeholders and partners.
• Proven leadership and collaboration across teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy development across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
• Provide expert legislative and regulatory advice to support conservation outcomes.
• Collaborate with operational teams and stakeholders to implement policy reforms.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Analytical skills

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:

We're looking for someone who can see the big picture, navigate complexity, and turn great ideas into real-world outcomes.

• 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.

Senior Policy Officer, Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation • Mackay, Australia