The Threatened Species Recovery Planning and Coordination Team is seeking highly skilled and experienced Principal Conservation Officers to lead the recovery and conservation of Queensland's unique threatened species. This role offers a unique opportunity to play a critical part in developing, implementing, and evaluating recovery strategies for endemic Queensland species such as the northern hairy- nosed wombat, Capricorn yellow chat, and Nangur spiny skink. Additionally, you will contribute to the delivery of strategic, evidence-based projects as part of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation's Threatened Species Program, driving meaningful outcomes for biodiversity conservation in Queensland.

Job details

The Principal Conservation Officer (P04) will leverage extensive ecological expertise and proven leadership in threatened species recovery to design and deliver targeted conservation initiatives across Queensland. The role leads the development and implementation of species recovery strategies aligned with the Threatened Species Program 2020—2040, driving evidence-based and enduring outcomes for species conservation across diverse landscapes and tenures.

The role engages with a wide network of stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, First Nations Peoples, non-government organisations (NGOs) and community groups. The role plays a key role in effectively communicating program priorities and outcomes to diverse audiences, fostering shared ownership of recovery goals.

About you
You are a passionate conservation professional with strong ecological knowledge and experience in management of threatened species. You can work independently and collaboratively across diverse land tenures, conservation partners and community settings.

You have analytical skills and the ability to provide expert advice on biodiversity management. Your excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills enable you to lead partnerships and influence positive conservation outcomes.

You have experience planning and delivering projects, operating within procurement frameworks, conducting fieldwork, collaborating with project partners and contractors, and meeting deadlines.
You demonstrate a commitment to fostering a workplace culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, respect underpinned by curiosity, accountability, and critical thinking.
Key knowledge and experience for this role includes:
•A science degree or a degree in a relevant natural resource discipline
•Demonstrated experience in project management for threatened species recovery, with a strong background in conservation management or landscape-scale science.
•Strong collaboration and communication skills, enabling effective stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship building across diverse groups.
•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop correspondence and share knowledge on complex conservation issues.
This is your opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and supportive team, to lead initiatives that directly contribute to the recovery and protection of Queensland's unique and diverse threatened species.

To apply, please review the attached Position Description and follow the provided application instructions. Join us in shaping the future of threatened species conservation in Queensland.

#Acareerthatmatters. #Acontributionthatcounts

Applications to remain current for 12 months.             

Job Ad Reference: QLD/654203/25

Closing Date: Wednesday, 03 September 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Two Permanent Flexible full-time positions available in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Flexible.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• 654203 25 Role Description (Word, 317KB)