This is a technical role supporting the delivery of a multiyear project to enhance key Southeast Asian countries’ ability to manage their maritime domains through the improved use of contemporary technologies, with a focus on uncrewed systems. This is a flexible position, with hybrid and remote working options, there is an expectation of national and international travel during planned engagements. 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 Office of the Chief Remote Pilot (OCRP) ensures safe and regulatory compliant drone operations and supports the use of drones and associated technologies capability across the Department. We provide and manage the policy and operational framework to ensure compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations and the requirements for managing enterprise risks. Other functions of the OCRP include: Building capability in drones and next generation technologies that support cross-cutting applied science, compliance and protected area management activities, and safety and wellbeing of staff in operational settings. Driving innovation in environmental data collection, monitoring and downstream analytics to inform operational and regulatory decision-making and policy. Strengthening partnerships with other agencies, First Nations Peoples, industry and academia to enhance operational capability. The ORCP facilitates cross-cutting science and innovation, using drones and by developing and testing cost effective and scalable environmental monitoring technologies with end users. We provide actionable insights through integrating Edge compute, AI and data analytics, IoT, and cloud services to connect remote environmental monitoring to decision-makers. Through our base in Parks Australia, we develop environmental monitoring solutions in some of Australia’s most iconic protected areas and partner with First Nations ranger groups in program delivery. For more information about us please visit our website. The job This is a technical role supporting the delivery of a multiyear project to enhance key Southeast Asian countries’ ability to manage their maritime domains through the improved use of contemporary technologies, with a focus on uncrewed systems. The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to: Provide technical advice on uncrewed system platforms, sensors, and relevant maritime domain technologies, with a focus on operational suitability and integration for ISR use cases. Develop operational concepts (CONOPs) and mission profiles for uncrewed ISR missions in maritime and coastal environments. Assist in the integration of ISR data into broader maritime domain awareness systems, supporting real-time decision-making and intelligence sharing. Support the Technical Training Officer (TTO) with delivery of ISR-focused training modules, ensuring participants are equipped with skills in mission planning, sensor employment, data interpretation, and reporting. Collaborate closely with the Project Lead and TTO to ensure technical standards and operational effectiveness are embedded in all project activities. Support the Chief Remote Pilot and Director, ISR & Compliance in writing comprehensive Test and Evaluation Reports for uncrewed systems trialled in the project. A merit pool for filling the same or similar position may be established at the conclusion of this selection process. What you’ll gain from the experience An opportunity to drive the uptake of uncrewed systems and sensor technologies, supporting real-world maritime operations and enhancing regional security and resilience. On-ground experience working alongside end users, technical specialists, and government agencies in South-East Asia. Experience in contributing to international collaboration efforts to build capability in emerging technologies that support the management and protection of marine resources. What we are looking for We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following: Demonstrated expertise and practical knowledge of uncrewed operations in deployed or highly complex environments, including an operational understanding of ISR principles. Expert knowledge of ISR principles, operational requirements, and sensor integration for maritime domain awareness and security, or ISR applications more broadly. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information through written reports and plain language formats. Experience in planning and executing drone-based ISR missions, including payload management and post-mission analysis. Experience working effectively and flexibly across teams that are geographically dispersed to proactively identify and manage issues (e.g. competing/changing priorities). Experience working in remote locations or on international operational deployments within a small team for periods of up to 2 weeks. Mandatory qualifications Remote Pilot’s License (RePL) – Multirotor ( Aeronautical Radio Operator’s Certificate, or equivalent Australian Defence Force qualification A pass in the Instrument Rating Examination (IREX) or Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Outside Controlled Airspace (OCTA). A Coxswain Certificate, and Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency are highly desirable for this role. Eligibility and other requirements Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen. Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications. Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
