Unlocking the Secrets of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: Your 60‑Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)? We’ve dissected their latest annual report—so you don’t have to! In this quick-read overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about GBRMPA, from their core functions and financials to the qualifications and skills they seek in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or just starting out, this guide will point you toward an exciting and rewarding government career in Australia.
AT-A-GLANCE 🏝️
Name of Department / Council: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
Location: Headquartered in Townsville, Queensland (Australia-wide operations in the Reef region)
CEO: Josh Thomas
Total Revenue: Approximately $111.992 million (FY 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 267
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Environmental Science or Marine Biology – Helps guide research and protect marine ecosystems
Business Management – Supports strategic planning, budgeting, and project coordination
Public Policy or Public Administration – Ensures effective policy-making and governance
Law or Compliance Studies – Critical for interpreting and enforcing legislation such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act
Tourism or Hospitality – Relevant for engaging with Reef tourism operators, a major stakeholder group
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP) / PRINCE2 – Ensures efficient delivery of large-scale environmental programs
Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Maintains safety standards during fieldwork and incident response
Data Analysis or GIS – Facilitates mapping, monitoring, and reporting on Reef health
Commercial Dive Certificates – Essential for underwater surveys, Reef restoration, and pest control
Vessel Operating Licences – Supports compliance patrols, field research, and tourism services
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Marine Technician or Mechanic – Helps maintain the Authority’s vessel fleet and monitoring equipment
Field Ranger / Field Officer – Conducts on-the-ground environmental protection and compliance
IT Support Specialist – Modernises digital infrastructure and supports data management
Electrician / Electrical Technician – Installs and maintains remote field sensors and technical gear
Communications Specialist / Graphic Designer – Develops public information materials and fosters stakeholder engagement
Top 5 skills most suited:
Stakeholder Engagement – Vital for collaborative decision-making with government, industry, and Traditional Owners
Analytical and Research Skills – Informs policies and actions using evidence-based insights
Project Management – Ensures successful planning and deployment of programs
Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge – Maintains the Reef’s ecological integrity through effective oversight
Collaboration and Teamwork – Encourages cohesive outcomes across multiple teams and projects
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Public Sector Administration – Familiarity with government frameworks and service delivery
Environmental Field Work – Exposure to conservation tasks, data collection, and marine research
Project Delivery – Practical knowledge of delivering initiatives on time and on budget
Policy Development or Regulatory Roles – Experience turning legislation into real-world benefits
Marine Tourism / Hospitality – A background in tourism can support sustainable visitor experiences and partnerships
THE KEY FACTS 📝
Name of Department: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
Name of CEO: Josh Thomas
Location: Primarily Townsville, Queensland (operating throughout the Great Barrier Reef region)
Year Founded: 1975
Main mission and purpose of the department:
GBRMPA’s central purpose is the long-term protection and ecologically sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef.Real-World Example: Through the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program, GBRMPA systematically suppresses coral-eating starfish outbreaks, safeguarding coral health and Reef biodiversity.
Main duties of the department:
Overseeing the sustainable management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Conducting research and monitoring reef health to inform policy decisions
Regulating commercial activities like tourism, fishing, and shipping in the Marine Park
Collaborating with Traditional Owners, scientists, and industry to develop conservation measures
Real-World Example: GBRMPA partners with tourism operators via the Eye on the Reef program, gathering data on Reef health that guides timely management actions.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Reef Joint Field Management Program – Enforces compliance, conducts wildlife rescues, maintains moorings, and responds to incidents in the World Heritage Area
Blueprint for Climate Resilience & Adaptation 2030 – Outlines how GBRMPA adapts its management under a changing climate
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program – Suppresses outbreaks to protect coral coverage and Reef resilience
Tourism Reef Protection Initiative – Partners with tourism operators to implement best-practice stewardship at high-value Reef sites
Did you know?
GBRMPA manages a robust permission system, overseeing thousands of permit applications annually—from major research proposals to unique eco-tourism activities—all to keep the Reef’s natural values intact.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE 📊
Total Number of Employees: 267 (spread across Queensland and the Reef region)
Total Number of Employees at each pay level (approximate distribution):
APS 1–2: ~9 employees
APS 3–4: ~70 employees
APS 5–6: ~130 employees
EL 1–2: ~55 employees
SES Band 1 (and above): ~3 employees
Salary Bands:
APS 1–2: ~$48k–$63k
APS 3–4: ~$61k–$76k
APS 5–6: ~$77k–$101k
EL 1–EL 2: ~$106k–$145k
SES Band 1 and above: ~$170k–$200k+
Average salary in the department: Ranges from $80k to $90k for mid-level APS roles, with higher salaries at the executive levels
Total Revenue: Approximately $111.992 million (FY 2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $419,000
GETTING A JOB AT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY 🌊
When applying for roles at GBRMPA, these qualifications, trades, skills, and even hobbies can make you stand out:
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Ecotourism Operations, Project Administration, Workplace Health and Safety—help with day-to-day support and logistical tasks
Bachelor / Master Level:
Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Public Administration, Law, Business Management, Communications—forms the backbone of policy, research, project management, and regulatory roles
PhDs:
Advanced Marine Ecology, Climate Science, Marine Policy—strength in research leadership and high-level strategy
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Skilled Vessel Operators, Marine Technicians, GIS Specialists, Electricians, Heavy Diesel Mechanics—crucial for vessel maintenance, data collection, and remote field operations
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Government or Public Sector Roles: Navigating selection criteria and internal processes
Marine/Environmental Research: Conducting field surveys, coral health checks, and data analysis
Project Delivery & Community Engagement: Bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve shared conservation goals
Tourism & Hospitality Experience: Collaborating effectively with reef tour operators and fulfilling regulatory requirements
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills:
Collaboration, Adaptability, Communication, Problem-Solving, Time Management
Technical skills:
Data Analysis, GIS Mapping, Compliance Enforcement, Vessel Operations, Scientific Reporting
General skills:
Stakeholder Engagement, Report Writing, Customer Service, IT Proficiency
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Boating, Environmental Volunteering—all reflect personal passion for Australia’s marine environments
Want more information on this department? 📞
Contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority:
Address: 2–68 Flinders Street (Stanley Place), Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4750 0700
Email: info@gbrmpa.gov.au
Website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au
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