The Office of Nature Conservation (ONC) brings together policy, science, and data expertise to accelerate unified thinking and action to respond to the immense conservation challenges facing the ACT. The team focuses on an outcomes-based philosophy to guide and inform on-ground conservation efforts undertaken by ACT Parks and Conservation Services, volunteer environmental partners and the community. With minimal direction, and in consultation with the Senior Director, Office of Nature Conservation, this position is responsible for strategic oversight and coordination of science planning, research and program leadership within the Office of Nature Conservation. This position directly manages five thematic Senior Ecologists and one business support unit staff member. Duties include: Branch-wide science planning and budgeting, and contribute to strategic planning and management for the branch In collaboration with the Nature Conservation Policy team, partake in the conceptual development of key protective mechanisms for threatened species including defining critical habitat and establishing a process for identification of priority protected areas Directly manage five thematic science teams and one business support staff, including maintaining oversight of priority business plan deliverables such as critical habitat mapping Supporting and advising ecological science teams in relation to planning, collaboration, and/or other relevant matters Communications, briefing and reporting Promote the development of a threatened species program, including supporting the Threatened Species Steering Committee through secretariat functions and chairing the recovery team for the Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon Lead stakeholder engagement on several challenging wildlife issues Represent CED and ACT Government on national, regional and local committees/working groups or at forums supporting interjurisdictional conservation and coordination on threatened species, natural resource management and related conservation matters, as relevant Develop and maintain positive relationships with key external bodies, including other ACT Government agencies, stakeholders, community organisations, and interstate counterparts Oversee formation of high-quality, robust, evidence-based policy advice on conservation and management of ecological communities and species in the ACT to stakeholders including the Parks and Conservation Service, other branches of the Environment, Heritage and Parks Group, ACT planning institutions and relevant government departments Other responsibilities include: Undertake delegated responsibilities as a Conservation Officer pursuant to the Nature Conservation Act 2014 Understand and work within the ACTPS Code of Conduct and ACTPS values of respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation, and model behaviour consistent with the ACTPS Respect Equity and Diversity framework Work within an Activity Based Working Environment and within hybrid working arrangements Maintain records in accordance with the Territory Records Act 2002 This position involves direct supervision of staff We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply. Eligibility/Other Requirements: In addition to addressing the Selection Criteria in the Position Description, the applicant must have: Mandatory: Tertiary qualifications in ecology or related discipline Extensive relevant experience in a leadership role Highly Desirable: Extensive experience in experimental design and statistical analysis Extensive experience in the ACT or other government/NRM agencies Notes: This is a temporary position available for a period of 2 and a half months from 1 December 2025 until 12 February 2026. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. This position will be moving to a new workplace designed for activity-based working (ABW). Under ABW arrangements, officers will not have a designated workstation/desk. Opportunities for flexible working options could include hybrid working, being a combination of working from home, designated office based and FlexiSpace working locations across the ACT, part-time hours, job-sharing, flexible start, and finish times. How to Apply: Please address the Selection Criteria, demonstrating your Skills, Knowledge and Behaviour relevant to this position, in no more than 250 words per criteria. Please attach your current curriculum vitae and provide the contacts for two referees. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only. Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below. City and Environment City and Environment Directorate was established on the 1 July 2025. This new directorate is an amalgamation of positions previously advertised under Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate. LI-DNI Note This is a temporary position available for a period of 2 and a half months from 1 December 2025 until 12 February 2026. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only.
