Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

is now recruiting for

Executive Director, Coastal, Biodiversity and Information

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Applications close midnight, Wednesday 29 April 2026

About the Role

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Overview

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.

A summary of the department’s objectives and key strategies to achieve these outcomes is outlined in the department’s strategic plan.

Organisational Chart

Role Purpose

Executive Director, Coastal, Biodiversity and Information

Download Position Description

The Science Division provides leading-edge science, data, information, and advice to support the Queensland Government’s priorities. The Division delivers modelling, monitoring, data analysis and projections for the Great Barrier Reef, water and catchment management, koala habitats, vegetation management, natural disasters, environmental assessment and compliance, and land stewardship.

As the Executive Director, Coastal, Biodiversity and Information, you will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Water and Catchments, in leading the delivery of significant science programs to improve environment and natural resource management knowledge and deliver this knowledge to policy and other decision-makers. The Executive Director will ensure that any legislation, policies or plans developed by the Queensland Government to deliver environmental, land stewardship, climate adaptation and natural disaster preparedness and response, vegetation management outcomes are solidly based on, and informed and enabled by scientific advice, information and digital innovation.

This role is a key member of the Science Division Leadership Team.

The Role

As the Executive Director, you will:

Lead the provision of high quality, multidisciplinary, innovative scientific and technical services programs in coastal and air science, environmental systems science, biodiversity and ecological science, earth observation, social science, digital and information science - efficiently, timely and cost effectively.
Create and maintain strong strategic and operational relationships across government agencies, with clients, industry and external stakeholders and represent the department in high level and complex negotiations to facilitate collaborative science opportunities and outcomes.
Oversee organisational change and manage the delivery of projects and service contracts through a strong Program and Project Management approach and ensure learnings are applied to deliver optimal outcomes.
Create strong and participative business partnerships within the department and across the public sector to ensure the successful delivery of government science requirements.
Act as an informed purchaser and/or independent broker of scientific services for, and with, partner departments.
Lead the delivery of actions under the Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypassing Project Agreement Act 1998.
Lead the delivery, preparation and translation of detailed scientific briefs, reports and media releases for the relevant Directors-General, Ministers and Cabinet to inform decision-making and policy development, and provide high quality advice and recommendations for the Divisional and Departmental Leadership teams.
Effectively lead and be accountable for managing the business area resources including annual budget of $58M and approximately 180 staff, and actively lead initiatives in staff capacity building, retention and attraction, successional planning and wellbeing.
Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for the best-suited person for the role. If you are eligible, we will consider your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities relevant to the role. We may also consider your past work, your future contribution to our team and department and your commitment and contribution to equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

Role model Executive leadership behaviours as outlined in the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
Be an agile and inspirational leader, with a strong record of achievement in dynamic and complex organisations and systems.
Demonstrated experience in leading the delivery of complex policy and legislative initiatives and key programs that deliver impactful, lasting change, supported by fit-for-purpose governance.
Demonstrate significant experience in leading the delivery of major programs, to drive delivery, manage risk and achieve greater impact and value for money.
Be a compelling communicator and advocate with a proven ability to represent the department persuasively, build and manage complex stakeholder relationships, foster enduring partnerships across diverse groups, balance competing priorities, and apply advanced negotiation and advocacy skills to enable collaborative, community-focused outcomes.
Demonstrated experience in establishing and embedding good governance, through consistent high standards of practice and effective mobilisation of the unique talents and capabilities of your team.
Demonstrated ability to inspire and engage staff and build a diverse, accountable and innovative workforce.
Demonstrate how you can support our commitment to workplace safety, equity, diversity, respect and inclusion.

What you will need for this role

How to Apply

Everyone is welcome to apply.

We offer priority consideration to applicants with disability or who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and meet the minimum requirements. Priority consideration applicants will be invited to participate in the next selection activity.

Please let us know what we can do to help you participate in the recruitment process and ensure your needs for cultural safety or workplace adjustments are considered. For more information on how-to-apply, including options for adjustments, visit Working with us.

To apply for this role, please provide us information about:

your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities and how they align with the requirements in the What we are looking for section; and
why you are the best-suited person for this role.
You can provide these in a succinct resume and short statement (2 pages) or contact us to explore other options.

If your application is progressed, you will need to provide evidence of your Eligibility.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 29 April 2026

Apply Now