Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

is now recruiting for

Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands

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Applications close midnight, Friday 7th August 2026

About the Role

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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.

Overview

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Role Purpose

Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands

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This position, which reports to the Assistant Director-General, Management and Operations, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services and Partnerships (QPWS&P), is responsible for providing vision, direction and leadership for the overall management of the Great Barrier Reef, marine parks, coastal and island operations consistent with the Government’s policy position regarding national parks and has responsibility for ensuring capability within this area.

This position may require travel to other locations from time to time, including overnight stays.

Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services and Partnerships has looked to the future and set a new bold vision, our vision is, “Nature: Experienced. Valued. Protected.” Our vision is underpinned by a simple equation Purpose + People = Success.

Our purpose is to care for and connect people with nature including: the land, sea, wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of Queensland. Partnerships are how we do great things in QPWS.

We acknowledge First Nations people’s continuous connection to country and walk forward together with respect as custodians of country. We connect and partner with the First Nations peoples, community, neighbours, tourism sector, and everyone who wants to experience and contribute to our important work.

Our people are key to our success, and we all play our part, we come from diverse backgrounds and operate in the office and the field. We put safety first, and have an underlying care for nature, culture, and community that binds us.

We think this is the best job in the world. We are a high performing team, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to and we set and meet high standards for physical and psychological safety within a respectful work environment built upon our shared values and behaviours.

The Role

As the Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef, Marine Parks and Coastal & Islands you will:

Ensure effective management of Queensland's protected area estate including national parks, conservation parks, resources reserves, state forests, world heritage and international agreement areas.
Contribute to the development of the QPWS&P strategic and operational plans to meet the government's commitments and objectives in supporting improved access and managing visitor experiences within Queensland's Parks and Forests.
Provide strategic leadership in the development of effective business plans including Capital Works Programs, National Parks infrastructure, pest and fire programs, disaster recovery, and conservation employment initiatives, by analysing, planning and prioritising regional activities, and ensuring effective implementation and ongoing review across the regions.
Provide high level advice and support regarding the management and legislative arrangements necessary to ensure that approved uses are balanced with the conservation of Queensland's protected areas.
Ensure delivery of and timely reporting on outputs and compliance with all statutory requirements and obligations.
Foster a workplace culture that supports and promotes the interests of First Nations people and actively engage through our work to contribute to better outcomes for First Nations people.
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 leader with the ability to lead high-performing teams underpinned by a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and manage.
A multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed workforce of approximately 336 employees and a budget allocation of approximately $50M
An ability to work in a high pressure environment and anticipate and resolve emerging and sensitive issues.
High level conceptual, strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills.
High level skills in developing innovative policy and strategic options and a proven record in ethical decision making.
Outstanding abilities in policy formulation and implementation, strategic planning, business planning, performance management and evaluation.
A proven client focus with high level consultation, negotiation, coordination and public relations skills and the ability to professionally represent the department, establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholdersthe ability to communicate with influence by engaging clearly with a broad audience, listen, understand and adapt to the situation while ensuring focus on the desired objectives.
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 (max 5 pages) 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, Friday 7th August 2026

Apply Now