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Identified position

This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.


Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.


Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.


Kakadu National Park is a world-heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.


The Country Section is responsible for the protection of the Kakadu National Park’s biodiversity assets and natural values. The section does this by providing strategic advice and support to the operations section on fire, feral and weed management, managing Country through a significant fire program; implementing and assisting significant species projects; responding to the threat of climate change; data and knowledge management; and planning. The section is an important part of creating an inclusive cross-cultural working environment.


The Job


Under general supervision and at the direction of the Fire Management Coordinator, implement biodiversity and cultural focused fire management projects across Kakadu National Park.

This includes to:

  • Work with Traditional Owners and other Park staff to develop, implement, and report on annual fire plans and late dry season response plans and tools.
  • Coordinate and lead strategic prescribed burning programs in the wet season and early-dry season, including aerial and ground burning with a key responsibility for implementing the parks Fire Management Strategy.
  • Monitor late dry season fires using web-based tools such as NAFI.
  • Contribute to late dry season fire response and suppression activities across all park districts and liaise with senior staff to support these efforts.
  • Maintain data and GPS records associated with fire management activities using ArcGIS.
  • Assist in the preparation of annual monitoring and evaluation reporting, including the use of GIS tools.
  • Assist in research activities associated with fire management, as required.
  • Contribute to on-park meetings to update the parks Fire Management strategy and relevant supporting documents.
  • Supervise staff in a cross-cultural environment including encouraging Traditional Owners and other relevant Aboriginal people to participate in all aspects of fire management in the park
  • Implement the Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park including participating in the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, the community and public.
  • As an effective member of the team, mentor, support and train junior staff and seasonal staff on the Kakadu Fire Team, and traditional owners to develop practical skills, safe work practices, and efficient and effective use of equipment and resources to implement fire management.
  • Promote safe working practices as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and relevant departmental WHS policies.


All duties will be performed in accordance with the Park’s Lease Agreement, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and Management Plan.