Make a difference, join our passionate team
Our mission is to enable and support the Burdekin Dry Tropics community to sustainably manage its land, water, plants and animals.
Interested in joining us to deliver projects that help safeguard our natural resources?
Press the “Job vacancies” button to find out what employment opportunities are available. NQ Dry Tropics is an equal opportunity employer.
Here are many good reasons why you should keep an eye out for such an opportunity.
Deliver work that
MATTERS
Live where others
HOLIDAY
Join a team protecting the Great Barrier Reef, restoring landscapes, and strengthening communities — right here in tropical North Queensland.
300+
days of
sunshine
36.25
hours standard
working week
5 weeks
annual
leave
+5%
of salary professional development
NQ Dry Tropics is an independent, not-for-profit, natural resource management (NRM) organisation supporting communities in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region to sustainably manage land, water, soil, plants, and animals.
Formed in 2002, we are a trusted partner to landholders, Traditional Owners, science and industry bodies, community groups and government.
We lead outstanding projects that:
- protect natural assets for future generations;
- improve Reef water quality while strengthening graziers’ and growers’ stewardship, profitability and climate resilience; and
- support Traditional Owner leadership in natural resource management.
- deliver long-term planning for sustainable natural resource management
This work is essential to the long-term health, prosperity, and liveability of our region — and you could be a part of it.
Purpose and impact
Culture and belonging
Flexibility and well-being
Growth and development
Rewards and recognition
Work that leaves a mark on the land...
At NQ Dry Tropics, outcomes are measurable and visible.
You will see the difference your work makes — in healthier landscapes, thriving primary industries and stronger communities.
Reef water quality
Contribute towards improving water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on Earth, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Landscape restoration
Help create healthier ecosystems, and support adoption of stewardship practices that benefit agricultural landscapes and regional communities for future generations.
Country and community
Support Traditional Owner leadership in natural resource management, including reviving cultural knowledge and connection to Country.
A team shaped by values
Integrity, collaboration, and service guide how we work — with each other, our partners, and the communities we serve.
Genuinely regional
We are embedded in the Burdekin Dry Tropics, not headquartered elsewhere with a regional outpost. This is where our people live and where our work happens.
Shared purpose
Our people are united by a commitment to supporting communities to care for natural resources. You belong to something bigger than a job description.
Cultural competence
We are deepening relationships with Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations. You will grow your understanding of Country and contribute to respectful, meaningful partnerships.
Values-led leadership
NQ Dry Tropics operates with clear values. Integrity and collaboration shape how our staff treat each other, and how we show up for communities.
Balance built in
Flexible work. Genuine support. Generous leave.
36.25hrs
STANDARD WORKING WEEK
Flexible arrangements for working in the field, from home and in the office.
5wks
ANNUAL LEAVE
Generous leave loading included.
12wks
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Available after 12 months continuous service.
EAP
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiative.
√
CULTURAL and RELIGIOUS LEAVE
Recognising what matters to you.
%
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Access to our employee benefits scheme.
Come to grow — stay to lead
NQ Dry Tropics invests in careers, not just roles. We operate in a growing sector with genuine pathways for people who want to lead.
Learn from the best
Work directly with environmental experts and deepen skills through daily exposure to specialist knowledge. Enjoy real collaboration across disciplines.
Sector-wide connections
Access NRM sector partners and industry specialists — connections and insight that go well beyond what a single organisation can offer.
Your expertise, national stage
If your abstract is accepted at a sector conference, we will cover costs for you to present. Your knowledge belongs on the national stage — we make sure you get there.
5%
of base salary per year for professional development.
Dedicated budget to pursue complementary skills, qualifications, and learning above and beyond your regular work.
Be rewarded fairly for what you bring
Competitive salaries benchmarked to the market. Super above the standard rate. Recognition that puts you on the national stage.
Market-benchmarked salary
We benchmark salaries against the market and pay competitively for the expertise our work demands.
Competititve and reviewed.
Superannuation above standard
We contribute 3 per cent above the Superannuation Guarantee Charge rate — because your future matters as much as your present.
SGC + 3% additional.
Conference presentation support
Paper accepted? We cover your costs. Your expertise is an asset — to you, the organisation and the sector.
Full cost coverage.
People choose to stay and here is why
Our most recent staff survey tells its own story. High retention and long tenure do not happen by accident — they reflect an organisation that delivers on its promises.
YEARS AVG TENURE
AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE
MORE THAN 10YRS
LONG-TERM WORKFORCE COMMITMENT
What the numbers mean
Tracking at a 94 per cent retention rate and average tenure of six years are not accidental figures. They reflect a culture where people feel genuinely trusted, see real investment in their careers, and work flexibly without compromise. People come to NQ Dry Tropics and choose to build their careers here.
What our people told us:
Flexible working arrangements
.
.
84% agree or strongly agree
Professional development
.
.
80% agree or strongly agree
I feel trusted
.
.
75% agree or strongly agree
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What staff members told us:
The flexibility with hours and the ability to work in the office and in the field are what makes the job so nice.
This is the only workplace in the agricultural sector that supports flexible work times. This is a big reason why I enjoy working here, as the company aligns with family values, especially if you have a young family.
This workplace is very pro to developing me in my role and keeping me accountable within my role — I think it’s a great thing.
I have autonomy over my daily tasks, and I do appreciate that about my role.
JOIN US
Ready to do work that matters?
NQ Dry Tropics is looking for people who want a career with a purpose, a team that shares their values, and a place to call home that is second to none. Check out the job vacancies.