Open to opportunities

Patrick Hughes

@patrickhughes

Message

Senior environmental policy and partnerships professional driving science-informed conservation outcomes.

Australia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior roles where I can lead policy and partnership programs, work with First Nations and researchers, and drive science-based conservation outcomes.

I am a senior environmental policy and project officer with extensive experience developing science partnerships, leading policy reform and delivering conservation programs across Queensland. I have successfully led cross‑government and university collaborations, contributed to legislative and regulatory reforms, and produced high‑quality briefs and strategic documents to inform decision‑makers.

My career highlights include designing collaborative international science funding programs, delivering reforms to biodiversity and animal welfare frameworks, and coordinating statewide co‑designed programs with First Nations partners. I combine strong research and program management skills with stakeholder engagement and a commitment to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Project Officer

Current

Department of Environment and Science

Jun 2025 - Present (7 months)

Developed and implemented collaborative international science funding programs and contributed to a revised Science International Partnerships Strategy, improving strategic research alignment and stakeholder engagement. Produced high-quality briefs and speaking notes while managing competing priorities across web, hearings and project plans.

Stakeholder Engagement Program Development Policy Analysis Strategic Partnerships Project Management Briefings

Senior Conservation Officer

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

Jan 2025 - Apr 2025 (3 months)

Managed protected area planning, permits and contracts, developed monitoring and research strategies, and created an online register for scientific research permits across the Coastal & Islands region. Delivered environmental assessments and procured contractors for estate management activities.

Regulatory Compliance Permitting Contract Management safety management

Senior Policy Officer

Department of Primary Industries

Feb 2024 - Dec 2024 (10 months)

Led policy development and stakeholder consultation for animal welfare reforms, contributed to poultry standards improvements and ethical dog breeding strategy, and supported emergency biosecurity Sitrep reporting. Coordinated cross-unit activity and prepared regulatory impact and consultation materials.

Policy Development Animal Welfare Policy Research Analysis

Senior Policy Officer

Department of Environment and Science

Feb 2022 - Feb 2024 (2 years)

Led teams and developed novel policy solutions for environmental offsets and koala policy, coordinated statewide co-designed reforms with First Nations partners, and produced legal advice and briefing materials to inform legislative amendment processes.

Environmental Policy Stakeholder Engagement Workshop Facilitation Research Analysis

Policy Officer

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

Feb 2020 - Aug 2021 (1 year 6 months)

Contributed to Biodiscovery Act reforms including a Traditional Knowledge Code of Practice, produced ministerial briefs and administered biodiscovery advice while coordinating stakeholder workshops and mentoring placement students.

Biodiscovery Policy Research Analysis Mentoring Project Coordination