Operations Manager – Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Who we are The Director of National Parks oversees six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 60 Australian Marine Parks, and other reserves established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). Parks Australia supports the Director in protecting and showcasing these unique natural and cultural sites to inspire community stewardship. The Marine and Island Parks Branch manages Commonwealth marine and island parks, including Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, and Pulu Keeling National Park in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Located about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka, Pulu Keeling National Park covers 2,600 hectares of land and sea, including North Keeling Island and surrounding waters leased from the Cocos-Malay community. The park lies within the vast Cocos (Keeling) Marine Park, spanning over 467,054 square kilometres, home to diverse coral reefs, lagoons, and deep-sea environments. The area supports species and habitats of international conservation significance, such as green turtles and hybrid reef fish, with management carried out in partnership with local communities, researchers, and government agencies.

The JobWith limited direction, you will be responsible for managing Pulu Keeling National Park and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park, in accordance with the lease agreement between the Director of National Parks and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council for North Keeling Island, park management plans and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This will include: Developing, planning and reviewing natural, cultural and visitor management and community engagement programs for island and marine areas. Coordinating the implementation of island and marine field operations, including for habitat and native and invasive species monitoring and management.

Effectively managing allocated finances, assets and infrastructure. Procurement and project management. Leading, training and mentoring a small team of staff and volunteers, including addressing Parks Australia’s Work Health and Safety requirements in support of a safe work environment. Preparing a range of documents including plans, reports and technical papers, as well as interpreting monitoring data and scientific studies and contributing to scientific papers. Exercise compliance and enforcement duties under the EPBC Act (1999) and Regulations (2000). Representing Parks Australia to collaborate and develop productive relationships with the local community, researchers and Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and other government agencies.

This includes coordinating local advisory panels/committees. Engaging closely and working with other areas of the Marine and Island Parks Branch and Parks Australia. Undertake other duties as directed to manage Pulu Keeling National Park and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park and contribute to wider Parks Australia activities. Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.