We're Hiring for the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

Executive Director, Landscapes, Water and Natural Capital

A group of people are looking at sticky notes on a glass wall.

About the Opportunity - Executive Director, Landscapes, Water and Natural Capital

As the Executive Director, you will lead the Landscapes, Water and Natural Capital Branch, steering conservation strategies aligned with Government priorities. This role oversees catchment resilience policy, water and wetlands initiatives, environmental markets, and investment strategy. You will strategically manage the branch, ensuring the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) contributes significantly to Queensland's conservation framework, drives premium carbon farming projects under the Land Restoration Fund, and provides essential evidence for conservation decision-making.

Your Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide strategic leadership for policy and program outcomes
  • Represent DESI in high-level negotiations on natural capital, water quality, and catchment management
  • Build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, industry, Traditional Owners, and environmental market stakeholders
  • Lead the preparation of major reports and briefings on complex natural resource and conservation management issues.

About the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is Queensland's leader in sustainability, integrating environmental stewardship, heritage protection, national park management, scientific innovation, and multicultural affairs to help achieve government objectives for a better Queensland.

Within DESI, the Landscapes, Water and Natural Capital Branch leads catchment resilience policy and programs, water and wetlands initiatives, and environmental markets and investment strategy. The program of work includes developing the state’s strategic approach to natural capital markets and frameworks for private investment in Queensland’s environmental priorities. This involves investor engagement and support to programs across the Department’s portfolio with co-investment proposals.

Vision
Queensland is celebrated as one of the world’s most diverse natural environments is maintained for the health and prosperity of current and future generations.


Purpose
To be effective leaders and partners in managing, protecting, restoring and promoting Queensland’s natural environment and heritage.

Drive environmental sustainability and be at the forefront of innovation and policy to shape a brighter future for Queenslanders.

A man wearing glasses and a blue jacket is smiling for the camera.

Gerard Kerr, General Manager Executive Search & Selection

Gerard Kerr is Co-Founder and General Manager of Executive Search and Selection at Kingston Human Capital.


With more than 20 years of experience in recruitment, Gerard has deep networks and extensive expertise managing complex search and selection projects across a range of sectors including local state and federal government, statutory authorities, government-owned corporations and ASX-listed companies.


Gerard’s approach to executive recruitment involves a deep dive into every organisation he works with. He spends extensive time inside each organisation, speaking with multiple stakeholders in order to build a comprehensive picture of not only the skills and experience required but also the right behavioural match.


Mobile: 0432 544 444
Email: gerard@kingstonhumancapital.com.au