Team Leader, Marine Wildlife

National Parks & Wildlife Service; Coffs Harbour; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued days off

Wellbeing programs

Training & development

Job summary

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) invites applications for a Team Leader, Marine Wildlife based in Coffs Harbour. You will lead the Conservation Programs team, shaping policies and management approaches to protect NSW’s marine fauna and Aboriginal heritage, while guiding evidence-based decision making.

You will supervise a skilled team, manage priorities, and build partnerships with researchers, government agencies, industry and communities.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in analysis, problem solving and project management with a proven ability to identify issues and manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage a team to consistently deliver a high quality customer service against agreed performance standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across NPWS and guide the development and delivery of conservation programs, policies and management approaches.
• Lead a highly skilled team, oversee commitments under the Marine Estate Management Strategy, and influence conservation outcomes through governance and evidence-based decision making.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with researchers, government agencies, industry representatives and conservation practitioners at regional, state, national and international levels.
• Represent NPWS in high-profile forums and advance marine wildlife research and policy.
• Proactively manage complex and often contentious issues through effective communication, advocacy and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Analysis & problem solving

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience

Job description

• Team Leader, Marine Wildlife
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Located at Coffs Harbour
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 p.a. + employer's contribution to superannuation

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

About the role

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has a unique opportunity for a Team Leader, Marine Wildlife to work as part of the Conservation Programs team and contribute towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage. This is a unique leadership opportunity to drive the conservation and management of some of NSW's most iconic marine wildlife species. As Team Leader Marine Wildlife, you will provide strategic leadership across the NPWS, guiding the development and delivery of innovative conservation programs, policies and management approaches that protect threatened marine fauna and support healthy marine ecosystems. You will lead a highly skilled team, oversee key commitments under the Marine Estate Management Strategy, and influence conservation outcomes through evidence-based decision making, effective governance and strong stakeholder engagement. Working at the forefront of marine conservation, you will build and maintain strategic partnerships with researchers, government agencies, industry representatives and conservation practitioners at regional, state, national and international levels. You will represent NPWS in high-profile forums, contribute to the advancement of marine wildlife research and policy, and proactively manage complex and often contentious issues through effective communication, advocacy and collaboration. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on marine wildlife conservation while shaping the future direction of species management and protection initiatives across NSW.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring demonstrated leadership experience in wildlife conservation, natural resource management or a related environmental field, together with a strong understanding of contemporary marine wildlife management principles and practices. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement policies, programs and conservation initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for threatened marine fauna. Your exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills will enable you to build productive partnerships across government, research institutions, industry and community groups, while confidently representing NPWS in high-profile and often complex environments. You will also bring strong judgement, influencing and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and sometimes contentious issues through collaboration, evidence‑based decision making and sound governance. A passion for marine conservation, combined with your ability to lead and inspire teams, manage competing priorities and drive innovation, will position you to make a significant contribution to the protection and recovery of NSW's marine wildlife.

Knowledge and experience

• Extensive experience in analysis, problem solving and project management with a proven ability to identify issues and manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage a team to consistently deliver a high quality customer service against agreed performance standards.

Essential requirements

Appropriate tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated relevant, equivalent professional experience. For more information read the full Role Description: Team Leader, Marine Wildlife and Statement of Works

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry. We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

What we do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Visit a park

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
• Information and support for veterans transition into government careers.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [e-mail] for a yarn.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Tori Basnet on [phone] (please mention reference number 553454).

Applications close: Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:55pm

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales.

We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone.

Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.