Product Owner Eye on the Reef

Vacancy Details

Product Owner - Eye on the Reef

EL1

Cairns, Townsville, Canberra

Non-ongoing - Specified term to 30 June 2028; Full-time

Applications close Sunday 16 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

The Position

We are seeking an experienced, outcomes-focused, Product Owner to join our Science for Management section. You will work closely with Reef Authority staff, management partners and stakeholders to help scope, design and implement digital tools and products that contribute to understanding the health and resilience of the Reef and the effectiveness of management actions.

The position is responsible for the oversight and coordination of technology maintenance and evolution for the Eye on the Reef Program, which enables users to submit reef health observations and survey data in near real-time. The digital platforms that support the Eye on the Reef Program include a phone application, website, web application and database.

As Product Owner, you will lead a small team to ensure these platforms deliver maximum value to users, and support critical reef monitoring and management objectives. You will be required to exercise sound decision-making and judgement to enable the completion of work to a high quality, within designated timeframes by managing resources, setting work area priorities and plans, managing workflows, developing execution strategies, understanding and evaluating business outcomes, knowledge sharing, guiding and coaching team members to develop them professionally.

You will be responsible for overseeing project and contract management within an agile environment; coordinating established working groups and governance processes; and preparing high quality advice, information and reporting products.

What you'll do

• Lead a small team to deliver on the strategic roadmap for the Eye on the Reef digital product, in alignment with organisational strategic objectives and priorities.
• Oversee project planning, execution and governance including: financial oversight, risk and issue management, ensuring compliance with whole-of-government requirements, resource allocation, dependencies, and benefits realisation.
• Coordinate established governance processes related to delivery of the Eye on the Reef Program, including working group and Steering Committee. Build and maintain trusted working relationships with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including vendors.
• Provide high quality advice to the Eye on the Reef Steering Committee and executive staff on the digital product, strategic roadmap, and delivery priorities based on value, urgency, dependencies, and strategic alignment.
• Assist with the section’s planning, reporting and evaluation processes to support the Reef Authority’s strategic objectives.

What you'll bring

• Experience leading technical teams and delivering digital products in complex environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build productive working relationships across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing technology projects, contracts or programs and balancing competing priorities.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes in a changing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.

Why join the Reef Authority?

Working at the Reef Authority is an opportunity to contribute to the long-term protection of one of the world's most significant natural environments while building a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service.

We offer a supportive and inclusive workplace, flexible work arrangements, opportunities for professional development and the chance to work alongside people who are passionate about protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Essential requirements

• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading technical teams.
• Proven track record of delivering digital products, preferably in the public service or other complex stakeholder environments.
• Project, contract and/or program management experience with technology-based outcomes.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Chloe Schauble, Director - Science for Management, Ph. 0467 159 617

How to apply

The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.

While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.

Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.

• any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

• how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.

When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.

Please complete your application online and provide:

• your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
• proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
• a current curriculum vitae (resume)

Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.

PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.

Notes

• The current position is non-ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
• We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:

• Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
• Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
• Evidence of citizenship status.
• Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
• Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
• The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
• The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.