WORKING WITH PURPOSE

Globally there is no bigger cause to work for right now than protecting and increasing the resilience of the environment, and communities that are reliant upon it. We have the privilege of working in one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions – the only place in the world with two interconnected World Heritage Areas, the Wet Tropics Forests and the Great Barrier Reef.

We need talented people with diverse skills, knowledge and experiences who love working with a broad range of partners.

Terrain NRM has been recognised as one of the best workplaces in Australia and New Zealand by the Australian Financial Review, and when people ask what it’s like to work here, you’ll usually hear the same themes. Find out more about working for Terrain NRM

When we have job opportunities, they are listed below. You can also follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Terrain NRM is seeking candidates for two roles in January 2026.

Program Manager – Environmental Rehabilitation

Are you an experienced program or project manager with a passion for the environment?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Terrain NRM—a leading not-for-profit environmental stewardship organisation—at the forefront of protecting and restoring rivers, estuaries, wetlands and reefs across Far North Queensland.

This senior role is responsible for overseeing large, complex, multi-million-dollar rehabilitation programs delivered in partnership with landholders, Traditional Owners, councils, industry and research organisations.

With an initial focus on riverine, floodplain and wetland rehabilitation, the role will ensure projects deliver measurable ecological outcomes, meet governance and compliance requirements, strengthen community and landholder participation, and deliver community benefits.

We’re looking for:

  • Demonstrated experience (7+ years) managing large-scale natural resource management, environmental rehabilitation, environmentally focused or engineering programs ($2–30M+).
  • Proven leadership skills with experience managing high performing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
  • Solid grounding in project governance, contract management and financial oversight with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage risk, conflict and complexity.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with experience engaging across a range of stakeholders and sectors.
  • Commercial awareness and a track record of developing funding proposals and securing investment.

Benefits of the role

  • Based out of Cairns, Tully, Innisfail or Atherton.
  • Permanent Full Time (36.25 hours per week).
  • Flexible working arrangements including working from home.
  • Positive workplace culture.
  • 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program.
  • Attractive renumeration from $118,031-$127,758 (based on 72.5 hours per fortnight). Terrain NRM is committed to attracting and retaining skilled professionals and offers competitive, market-aligned remuneration. For the right applicant, we are open to negotiating Engineering Industry Incentives to ensure the total employment package appropriately reflects the expertise and experience brought to the role.
  • Salary sacrificing available.

Applications close Monday 19 January 2026 (4pm)

Download Position Description

To apply, please email us a cover letter introducing yourself, address the criteria and send a copy of your resume to people@terrain.org.au.

Project Officer – Engagement & Monitoring (Identified)

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who wants to see strong cultural, environmental and economic outcomes for Country and community?

Terrain NRM is a leading not-for-profit environmental stewardship organisation working across Far North Queensland to protect and restore rivers, estuaries, wetlands and reefs. We are seeking a Project Officer – Engagement & Monitoring to play a hands-on role in strengthening Traditional Owner participation in natural resource management across the Wet Tropics.

This role offers the opportunity to work directly with communities, support culturally respectful project delivery, and help ensure Indigenous voices, knowledge and leadership are central to caring for Country.

What we’re looking for:

You will bring strong community engagement skills, practical project experience and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for Country and people. You will have:

  • Proven ability to coordinate or support projects and work plans
  • Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations
  • An understanding of natural resource management or a related field
  • Strong communication, engagement and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Sound judgement and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with reporting, data collection and the use of IT systems
  • Capacity to undertake field work in rural and remote locations in tropical environments
  • A relevant degree in Indigenous and community engagement, natural resource management, or a related field, or equivalent experience

The details

  • Based in Atherton, Cairns, Innisfail or Tully
  • Permanent role (29–36.25 hours per week, negotiable)
  • Salary: $87,698 – $94,927 per annum (full-time equivalent)
  • Flexible working conditions
  • 5 weeks annual leave (pro rata) plus 17.5% leave loading

This is an Indigenous-identified position. Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this role.

Applications close Monday 19 January 2026 (4pm)

Download Position Description

To apply, please email us a cover letter introducing yourself, address the criteria and send a copy of your resume to people@terrain.org.au.