Program Leader (Marine Science)

Position No: DBCA3180260

Salary/Level: Specified Calling Level 5, $171,519 - $185,781 p.a. plus Superannuation

Tenure: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Kensington, Western Australia

The Marine Science Program plays a pivotal role in advancing the science that underpins marine biodiversity conservation and management across Western Australia. Through innovative research, long-term monitoring, and strategic scientific partnerships, the program generates the evidence needed to protect marine ecosystems, support threatened marine species recovery, and inform the management of an extensive and diverse marine protected area network.

We are seeking an outstanding Program Leader (Marine Science) to provide strategic leadership for the department's Marine Science Program and help shape the future of marine conservation in Western Australia.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished marine science leader to drive a high-performing and multidisciplinary team, influence conservation policy and management, and ensure that cutting-edge science translates into real-world outcomes for marine biodiversity. The role provides leadership across a broad portfolio of marine research, monitoring, science communication, and applied conservation science, with a particular focus on demonstrating and improving conservation outcomes within Western Australia's marine protected areas.

As Program Leader, you will build positive culture, provide safety leadership and scientific advice on marine ecology, conservation, planning, policy, and natural resource management. You will guide research priorities, foster internal relationships and partnerships with universities, research institutions, Traditional Owners, government agencies, and other stakeholders, and champion the use of innovative and evidence-based approaches to address emerging conservation challenges.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to influence high-level strategic decision-making, contribute to state-wide conservation outcomes, and lead a team committed to delivering science that makes a measurable difference to the health and resilience of Western Australia's marine environments.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Leaders to help drive positive change.

The successful applicant will be required to possess or obtain a current and satisfactory National Police Check prior to commencement.

Application Instructions:

To allow the selection panel to make an accurate assessment of your application, please submit the following:

• A covering letter.
• A written response addressing the five (5) requested criteria below (in no more than four (4) pages).
• A current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

Selection Criteria

1. Degree in marine biological science from a recognised university or an approved equivalent qualification (ESSENTIAL), with a post graduate qualification (DESIRABLE).
2. Knowledge of tropical and temperate marine biodiversity in Western Australia (ESSENTIAL), and knowledge of marine biodiversity conservation and management (DESIRABLE).
3. Extensive experience in safely planning and leading marine science research to investigate complex scientific problems, marine science baseline studies and monitoring to inform management on conservation (ESSENTIAL).
4. Demonstrated experience leading effective teams of scientists including maintaining positive culture, empowering, motivating and developing the diverse talents of people to deliver agreed outcomes (ESSENTIAL).
5. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing large strategic programs of work including financial, safety and quality management and managing change within a large organisation (ESSENTIAL).

Note: Applicants who meet selection criteria 4 and 5 to a high degree will be particularly well regarded.

Please click “Apply” and you will be redirected to the WA Government Jobs Board website at https://search.jobs.wa.gov.au/ where you can submit your application online.

For further information on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, please visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

For further job-related information, please contact Dr Christine Lamont on (08) 9219 9***.

Closing date: Monday, 17 August 2026 at 12 noon AWST (2pm AEST). No late or pro forma applications will be accepted.