Senior Planning Officer

Description:

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.
Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.
The Position
We are seeking a policy professional to join our team with broad skills in the development of spatial management plans government policy and enabling legislation. You will help develop and implement Marine Park / marine protected area policies and marine spatial plans under limited direction with reasonable autonomy and accountability.
As part of the Policy and Planning section, you will provide high level support and technical advice on Marine Park planning matters and assist with the development and amendment of management plans and strategies for the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This role may have a considerable level of public contact in relation to difficult or sensitive issues and may liaise with a range of stakeholders in a representational capacity.
You will be a team player, working closely and collaboratively with other areas of the Reef Authority, the Australian and Queensland government's Reef Joint Field Management Program, Traditional
Owners and other Queensland and Commonwealth government partner agencies as well as a diverse network of stakeholders
About You

• You are experienced in evaluating policy and/or spatial planning management options, ideally in an environmental management / marine protected area context.
• You will have excellent communication, relationship and stakeholder management skills and enjoy being part of a cohesive team.
• You understand the need for exploring innovative policy and regulatory solutions while appreciating the reasons for existing policy and legislation.
• You thrive under pressure, have an eye for detail and don't get flustered when faced with competing priorities.
• You enjoy being part of a cohesive team. You seek to work collaboratively and are committed to seeing things through.

The key duties of the position include
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement spatial management strategies, policies and enabling legislation that provide for the long-term protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef as well as its ecologically sustainable use.
• Manage complex projects and develop initiatives to effectively manage Marine Park threats and uses. This includes working collaboratively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders on strategic issues, including with Queensland to ensure alignment with joint permitting and joint field management arrangements.
• Prepare high quality written material, policy and reports, including the provision of expert, timely, practical, transparent and risk-based advice to management.
• Actively participate, as part of a committed team member, to the work of the Policy and Planning Section, including contributing to delivering the broader Reef Authority's corporate objectives.
• Represent and explain the views of the Reef Authority in a range of meetings and forums with internal or external stakeholders, Traditional Owners and other government agencies.