Chinnery joined the Papuan service in 1909 and served as a magistrate from 1911 until 1921 with a break for war service with the Australian Flying Corps. He later worked as adviser on labour to New Guinea Copper Mines and joined the mandated territory public service as Government Anthropologist in 1924. He was also Director of District Services and Native Affairs from 1932 until 1938 when he became Director of Native Affairs in the Northern Territory. He retired in 1946.

5 printed reports of uncertain date i.e.:

1. Notes on the Natives of Certain Villages of the Mandated Territory of New Guines (c.1925).
2. Notes on the Natives of E. Mera and St Mathias (c.1925).
3. Certain Natives in south New Britain and Dampier Straits (c.1926).
4. Natives of the Waria, Williams and Bialolo Watersheds (c.1928).
5. Notes on the Natives of South Bougainville and Mortlocks (Taku) (c.1930).