
Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
is now recruiting for
Executive Director, Operational Support, Environmental Services and Regulation
Applications close midnight, Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Hidden Value Adventure Park | Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland

Overview
Go Vertical Stand Up Paddle & Kayak | Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
DETSI Strategic Plan
Our department recognises the enormous value a clean environment, innovative society and visitor economy, and vibrant culture contributes to our lives.
As a diverse organisation, the department brings together key areas of work to achieve our objectives for a better Queensland.
By being effective leaders and partners in managing, protecting and restoring Queensland’s natural environment and heritage, we help ensure the health and prosperity of current and future generations.
We don’t just offer jobs—we offer purpose. Join a team that’s shaping Queensland’s future through bold ideas, strong partnerships, and meaningful work.
We’re committed to creating a workplace that values inclusion, diversity, and cultural safety. We work closely with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to embed cultural values and self-determination into everything we do.
As part of our commitment to eliminating domestic and family violence in Queensland, the department is a White Ribbon Australia accredited workplace.
More information on the department’s functions, focus and the type of organisation we are, can be found on our website at www.detsi.qld.gov.au.
A career that matters. A contribution that counts
By joining the Queensland Government leadership team, you can:
be the difference – making Queensland better through what you do
be challenged – create a career with Queensland’s largest employer
be rewarded – benefit from competitive pay, conditions and development opportunities
be balanced – find balance in your life through contemporary work practices
be you – bring your authentic self, we embrace diversity.
Are you ready to #BeHere4Qld?
Executive Director, Operational Support
Purpose
As Executive Director, Operational Support, you will play a pivotal role in supporting, enabling and collaborating with frontline service delivery in environmental regulation. You will provide vision, direction and leadership for the overall management of branch operations consistent with the Government’s position regarding environmental management services and will ensure capability within this area.
You will lead the branch in optimisation of service delivery for the division and other key stakeholders through investigating and developing innovative regulatory approaches, coordinating environmental impact assessments, provision of technical support, delivery of regulatory skills training, coordination of state-wide community response services, and state-wide customer service for debt management, and environmental licensing and permitting lodgement and enquiries.
The role
As the Executive Director, Operational Support, you will:
Provide strategic leadership in the development of operational planning processes at a branch level by analysing, planning and prioritising the branch’s activities, participating as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), and coordinating services within the branch and across the division as required.
Provide direction consistent with the corporate vision and deliver strategic information and advice to the Deputy Director-General (DDG) and other senior management, promoting and rewarding continuous quality improvement, innovation and ethical behaviour.
Build and maintain strong strategic and participative business partnerships within the division, the department and across the public sector to ensure successful delivery of services that are relevant, interchangeable and meeting priorities.
Ensure that contemporary and best practice policies, programs and systems are delivered to the required standard, on time and on budget, and that stakeholders and partners value the experience of working with the branch.
Develop and implement service delivery priorities, strategies and programs in short, medium and long-term timeframes to meet the diverse needs of key stakeholders and communities.
Contribute to the identification of opportunities for changes and enhancements in delivery of existing operational programs and services, or development of additional services, to achieve continuous improvement in outcomes for the department and stakeholders.
Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.
What we are looking for
For this role, you’ll need to:
Be an energetic and inspirational leader, with a strong track record of achievement in dynamic and complex organisations.
Have demonstrable experience of leading policy initiatives and innovative programs that have delivered real and lasting change.
Have a well-refined understanding of contemporary environmental and regulatory development trends, drivers and approaches.
Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving capability, and the agility and resilience to adapt to a rapidly changing context.
Have significant implementation experience and business acumen to drive delivery, manage risk, and achieve greater impact and value for money.
Have a demonstrated ability to inspire and engage staff, and build a diverse, accountable and innovative workforce.
Be a compelling communicator and advocate, able to represent the department persuasively and build effective relationships with a broad range of partners and stakeholders.
Role model Executive leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
Have demonstrated experience in supporting our commitment to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.
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You will need the legal right to work in Australia.
Qualifications
Whilst tertiary qualifications are not an eligibility requirement, a doctorate or other relevant post graduate qualifications in environmental science, environmental management or related discipline or professional standing and broadly recognised expertise in the area of practice, would be highly regarded.
Licences
You will be required to hold a current unrestricted drivers licence and/or be prepared to obtain a manual licence.
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The successful applicant will be subject to pre-employment checks, including disciplinary disclosure, criminal history and probity checks, disclosure of interest and conflict of interest declarations, and lobbyist registration.
We offer priority consideration for this role. Please refer to the “How to Apply” section for more information.
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Travel will be required as part of the role.
Leadership Competencies
This role requires the leadership capabilities of an executive as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
Be prepared to discuss / reflect on these behaviours in the event you are invited to attend an assessment interview.
Position Description
To learn of the requirements and attributes of our ideal candidate for this position, we invite you to please download the full position description below.

How to Apply
1770 Reef - Great Barrier Eco Tours | Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Requirements
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on:
How you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement
Why you are the best suited person for this role
How you could support our commitment to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
All applicants are welcome to apply for this position. We offer priority consideration to those who live with disability or identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, provided you meet the minimum requirements for the role you will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.
We are committed to assessing your suitability in a way that works for you.
For more information or assistance with your application, including options for adjustments, please reach out to us.

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