Department of Primary Industries
is now recruiting for
Executive Director, Fisheries
Applications close midnight, Monday 8th December 2025
Overview
A workforce to drive prosperous primary industries
We have more than 2,000 staff working across 170 sites to make a positive difference for our diverse and vibrant primary industries. These industries employ more than 376,000 people across Queensland’s supply chain, almost 13% of Queensland’s workforce, and directly support more than 41,500 businesses.
Our business
We work across diverse environments and help develop industries to meet growing demands for sustainable food, fibre and foliage.
Underpinning our ability to meet these demands is a strong biosecurity system that safeguards our way of life, industries, economy, environment, and biodiversity from plant and animal pests and diseases.
To deliver on our responsibilities to Queensland, we:
provide advice to the Queensland Government
facilitate programs and services that provide support and share knowledge on-the-ground
work with industry and our partners to find and progress solutions
administer legislation.
We also enforce laws relating to:
biosecurity, including pest and disease management
sustainable fisheries and forestry management
animal welfare standards
food safety in primary production
agricultural and veterinary chemical use.
Our people are united by service and purpose
Find out how our talented employees are making a difference for the future of Queensland.
Forestry
We are committed to responsibly managing selective harvesting in state-owned native forests throughout Queensland and the sale of timber and other forest products from these forests, to support positive economic, environmental and cultural outcomes.
Our work covers:
native forestry under the Forestry Act 1959
the plantation license and related agreements
quarry material supply under the Forestry Act 1959
forestry industry development.
Learn more about forestry.
Agriculture
We support farmers and agribusinesses to improve productivity and profitability by unlocking new opportunities, managing risks, building industry resilience and improving market supply chains. We back agriculture priorities through:
State budget allocation
navigating government roadblocks that affect agriculture
leading research, development and extension (RD&E) for agricultural innovation and productivity growth.
Our work includes:
food and fibre industry development
food processing and value-adding development
rural economic development
the Strategic Cropping Land Mitigation Fund.
Learn more about what we’re doing for agriculture.
Fisheries
We manage fisheries resources to balance industry growth, recreational fishing for our Queensland lifestyle and environmental sustainability.
Our work includes:
fisheries management
fish habitat areas
aquaculture
charter fishing sector
First Nations fishing and enterprise development
rules to protect fish stocks and ensure sustainable harvesting
enforcement of fisheries and boating safety laws.
Learn more about what we’re doing for fisheries.
Biosecurity
We protect our environment, economy, communities and lifestyle from biosecurity risks by preventing and responding to pests and diseases.
Our work covers:
biosecurity, including plant and animal diseases
animal welfare standards
veterinary surgeons
exhibited animals
enforcement of biosecurity laws and standards
regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemical use.
Learn more about Biosecurity Queensland.
Corporate services
Our department-wide corporate services is a trusted strategic partner who:
enables connections
drives efficient, effective service delivery
helps us deliver fit-for-purpose, future-focused solutions to our challenges.
We work to make a positive difference to how our department delivers outcomes through:
financial, human resources, and facilities management services
communications and stakeholder engagement
data and digital systems management
racing integrity.
About the Role
Executive Director, Fisheries
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.
Your Accountabilities
As the Executive Director, Fisheries, you will:
Provide high level strategic advice and analysis to the Director-General and Deputy Director-General on strategic issues and opportunities impacting the fisheries sector to ensure the department is positioned to deliver critical policy and operations strategies to industry and the community.
Lead the development of streamlined policy and operations strategies that promote balanced fisheries resource use and sustainability needs, to ensure the optimised value of Queensland fisheries resources.
Lead the development of policy and operations strategies through negotiation and collaboration with key industry, community and government stakeholders to ensure policy and strategies are effective and responsive to emerging challenges and priorities.
Develop effective stakeholder commitment and engagement promoting high quality and consistent information exchange and discussion in order to deliver policy and strategies that ensure the agriculture and fisheries industries generate economic prosperity for Queensland communities.
Lead change management, capacity building and industry transformation to deliver efficient, sustainable, profitable and world leading fisheries.
Deliver critical reporting mechanisms to promote and identify the value and sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries sector in achieving key government commitments.
Represent the department and Government in a range of high level regional, state and national forums to gather information and promote developments across the fisheries sector.
Commit to personal development and provide strategic leadership to the unit, including fostering of a professional environment which encourages commitment, ethical behaviour and decision-making, skills development, professional growth and continual improvement.
Undertake workforce/succession planning to ensure long-term continuity of effective service delivery.
What Success Looks Like
We are seeking the best suited candidate for the role. We will achieve this by:
assessing your eligibility and suitability to fulfill the role requirements (including, where relevant, the way you carried out previous roles).
evaluating your potential contributions to the department and how your involvement would uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion.
How to Apply
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.
Applications close midnight, Monday 8th December 2025
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Have a question?
Reach out to our friendly team.
Confidential Enquiries
KERRY LARKIN
Senior Associate
