You're not just looking for 'a job', and we're not just looking for an 'employee'.

So what's this all about then?

Picture yourself waking up to the rhythm of waves lapping against the shore, working alongside people who carry centuries of wisdom in their stories, and knowing that what you do today will matter for generations to come.

Welcome to the Torres Strait.

This region holds a unique place in the natural, cultural and social fabric of Australia.

It’s sometimes called the hidden pearl of Australia and we think the people we’re looking for are going to be equally rare and special.

We're looking for two special people to help us ensure the Torres Strait is preserved for generations to come.

If you’re passionate about the environment, have a deep respect for Indigenous cultures and are excited by the opportunity to use your project management experience to help preserve this special region, this might be your dream job.

We know you’re out there somewhere just waiting to be discovered, a bit like a hidden pearl, so this campaign is like our deep dive into the oceans of talent to find you.

About the ‘Hidden Pearls’ we’re looking for

Our team needs two Ranger Operations Project Managers, not just any leaders, but guardians of the environment and culture.

These two roles are for people who thrive in the great outdoors and are skilled at managing and mentoring teams. In this case a team of 25-30 rangers.

We'd love to have you join us for 2-3 years as you lead, learn and level-up our Ranger team.

Your ultimate success will be replacing yourself with one of the Senior Rangers on your team whom you've mentored to take the reigns when you move on.

You'll be actively involved on the ground every day, ensuring your team has the resources, support, and knowledge they need to do their best work and achieve the environmental goals.

✅ You lead with your heart and your hands.

✅ You know that leadership in environmental conservation roles isn't about sitting behind a desk – it's about rolling up your sleeves and working alongside your team.

✅ You believe that the best ideas often come from listening rather than talking.

✅ You’re a leader who’s not just here to guide but to grow; not just to oversee, but to uplift.

✅ You’ve been around the block in environmental management, sure. But more importantly, you know the best teams are built on respect, patience, and understanding.

✅ You're the kind of person who gets excited about learning new ways of seeing the world and isn't afraid to admit when traditional knowledge trumps textbook solutions.

✅ The idea of light aircraft and helicopter travel between remote islands sounds amazing (not scary).

What do we do here at the LSMU?

The Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU) is part of the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Environmental Management Program.

The region’s spectacular diversity of natural and cultural values, enduring Ailan Kastom and complex jurisdictional and administrative arrangements provides equal measure of opportunity and challenge for the ongoing conservation, management and sustainable use of the region’s natural resources.

This Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait aims to achieve the following vision:

"Empowering Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples to sustainably manage and benefit from their land, sea and cultural resources into the future, in accordance with Ailan Kastom, Aboriginal Lore/Law and native title rights and interests."

Land and sea management has been central to Torres Strait culture for thousands of years and will continue to be an important part of the future for Indigenous peoples of the region.

It is our job to provide the infrastructure and resources to support the practice of traditional ecological knowledge and offer modern insights where needed to preserve the land and sea country and help the community continue to thrive.

Why this work matters SO much

In this role, your impact extends beyond immediate conservation efforts.

You are ensuring the preservation of the land and sea for future generations, supporting the community's connection to their cultural practices and rights.

What’s in it for you?

✅ A competitive salary package, 15.4% super, relocation assistance and remote accomodation allowance.

✅ A unique opportunity to live and work in one of Australia's most visually stunning and culturally significant regions.

✅ A meaningful career where your daily activities contribute to global conservation efforts and support a vibrant community.

✅The opportunity to learn traditional ecological knowledge that is unavailable anywhere other than through word of mouth from the people in the Torres Strait.

✅The chance to take your knowledge and experience to other parts of the world and know you are part of the solution to the global climate change problem.

About you

You might not be originally from the Torres Strait, or even have First Nations roots, but you embody the spirit of a "hidden pearl".

Maybe your experience isn’t linear, and it doesn’t fit perfectly into a box, but you’ve developed all the skills and traits we describe - and - you’ve got extensive experience in environmental management.

It’s possible your skills have been honed in some of the world's most challenging settings.

Or maybe you’ve just worked with another Ranger program not far away and are ready to step up.

No matter your background, you’d describe yourself as

👉 Respectful and Integrative: Earning your place in the communities you serve through dedicated work and deep respect for local cultures and traditions has been a hallmark of your career to date.

👉 A Naturally Charismatic Leader: Your quiet charisma and leadership guide and inspire your team effectively through the good days and the tough ones; your nurturing approach is always focused on developing your team's capability.

👉 Driven by Purpose: More than just a job, you see your role as a calling to steward the environment and respect the cultural heritage of the Torres Strait.

👉 Environmentally Experienced: Having worked hands-on across a number of conservation projects you are energised by the unique challenges and opportunities of this kind of work.

👉 Energetic and Committed: You love the environment, being a leader and learning about unique cultures. This is your calling, not just a pay-cheque. Your goal is to make a real impact on climate change through your work.

Your average day

No two days are the same, but your day always starts early with the sunrise.

After a brief team huddle to discuss the day's tasks, you're out in the field, navigating the diverse landscapes of the Torres Strait.

You might spend the morning surveying marine habitats, participating in conservation activities alongside your team, and engaging with community elders to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.

Then the afternoon might be collating data for progress reports or allocating budget to next month's priorities.

You’ll head home tired, but with the feeling of satisfaction that only comes from doing work you believe in with people who care.

More about the role

Each successful Ranger Operations Project Manager will be the backbone for their team of rangers scattered across these beautiful islands.

Our team is made up of 55 Rangers across 14 Ranger groups, so each PM will be leading approximately half of the overall team.

Think less ‘traditional manager’, more ‘trusted guide’.

You'll be there to clear obstacles from their path, share what you know, and (here's the beautiful part) learn things that no textbook could teach you about caring for the land and sea country.

This work isn't about ticking boxes.

It's about building bridges between modern conservation and ancient wisdom to keep this region healthy for generations to come.

You'll work with everyone from Traditional Owners who know every fish in the sea to government officials who help with the resources to protect it.

🌟 Manage and Mentor: Oversee the day-to-day operations of our dedicated rangers. Lead a team of 35 spirited individuals across the islands, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive.

🌟Empower and Educate: Work side by side with the rangers, sharing your expertise while absorbing traditional ecological knowledge that has preserved these islands for millennia.

🌟Coordinate and Cultivate: Maintain relationships with local communities and government authorities to promote sustainable practices that honour our culture and conserve our resources.

Who this role ISN'T for

As amazing as your skills are, this role really needs hand-on experience in the field, it’s not a role where you can learn the fundamentals as you go.

So if your background is any of these (or similar), we’re sorry but this isn’t the role for you.

❌ A project manager: While organisational skills matter, this isn't about managing timelines and budgets from behind a desk.

❌ An admin specialist: Paperwork is minimal; your place is in the field, not filing forms.

❌ An HR pro: While you will be leading a team, your focus is on conservation, not corporate policies.

A cautionary note

As stunning as the region is, this job is all about people and nature, it's not a 9-5 and things can be unpredictable.

So please don’t apply unless you’re up for the challenge and excited by the opportunity.

There are amazing days, laughs, wins and so many unforgettable moments with great people, but there will also be some very tough days, heart-breaking situations and your to-do list will feel like it's never 'done' because nature is infinite.

It takes a special kind of person to thrive here.

But if you're still reading, if something in your gut is telling you this could be your next great adventure and if the chance to live and work in this amazing region has you feeling lit up it could be your perfect role.

Come write your chapter in our story of culture, conservation, and community. The Torres Strait is waiting.

Your invitation

The Torres Strait isn't just a stunning backdrop for our work; it's a community where nature and culture are intricately linked. This job is about deep engagement—not a typical 9-5. If you're ready for this life-enriching challenge, we're ready to welcome you.

Come be a part of our ongoing story of culture, conservation, and community. The Torres Strait is calling.

How to apply

Please get a copy of the Application Pack by clicking Quick Apply to find out more about this role.

It’s been designed to answer all your questions and help you decide whether this is really the role for you.

Inside you’ll get:

✅ A video from Dr. Billie Roberts talking about the role, the team and her leadership style (she will be your manager in this role)

✅ The position description

✅ Package information

✅ Testimonials from other team members

✅ Videos about the region and the Ranger Ops program

✅ The link to the official application form for the position

The pack will be sent to you automatically by email when you click Quick Apply.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 25 April 2025.

APS role details

These two roles are full-time, ongoing and non-ongoing, identified* roles, with merit pool for 18 months.

They are classified as Executive Level 1 positions and the two successful candidates will be based on Thursday Island.

*Identified just means that part or all of the duties impact on Indigenous Australian communities or their representatives, but candidates from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please note

➡️ Applications from candidates who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or who have connections to an Indigenous community are strongly encouraged, even if you feel you may not meet all the criteria.

➡️ We are looking for the right person for the role and are open minded about your background and education, culture fit, leadership skills and ability are most important.

➡️ We have made every effort to answer all the most common questions you might have in the Application Pack so please get a copy of that and read it before reaching out.

❌ Rather than reaching out to TSRA directly, please follow the process we have designed as they have entrusted us to look after the process for them as their recruitment partners.

✅ We've designed this process with the TSRA team to help streamline applications and ensure every candidate has the same experience, gets the same information quickly and has a fair and equitable opportunity to be considered for this role.

➡️ If you have technical difficulties please email us at hello@unforgettable.agency (please only email us for other reasons if you really need us - we've created the pack to answer all the initial questions you might have)