AO5

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation in Queensland seeks a Senior Ranger - Compliance (AO5) to lead regional compliance across iconic coastal and marine environments, with opportunities to manage investigations, field operations and stakeholder engagement from a leadership position.

The role focuses on protecting Queensland's natural and cultural heritage in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, balancing enforcement with strategic planning and cross-agency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading compliance, regulatory or enforcement activities.
• Ability to investigate, assess and resolve complex compliance matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgement and decisive leadership in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional compliance and enforcement outcomes to protect marine parks.
• Build and mentor a high-performing ranger team across sites.
• Collaborate with First Nations partners, police and fisheries patrols.
• Oversee field operations on land and at sea and coordinate investigations.
• Contribute to high-profile projects and incident responses with regulatory leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance leadership

Investigations

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Job description

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Manly QLD

Lead with purpose. Protect what matters.Build a career that's anything but ordinary.
As Senior Ranger Compliance, you’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the natural and cultural values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area while leading compliance and enforcement outcomes that make a real difference.

This is more than a compliance role. It's an opportunity to combine leadership, conservation, investigations, marine operations and stakeholder engagement in one rewarding career.

Join Our Team - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Region - Southern Marine Operations

Purpose + People = Success

• Purpose - We care for Queensland's natural places by building strong connections with people, wildlife and the landscapes we protect
• People - We are passionate, proud, and driven to be our best, working together to collaborate, innovate and keep each other safe
• Success - We create lasting, positive impact—where nature thrives and communities value and connect with the environment.

The Opportunity: AO5, Senior Ranger - Compliance (Manly or Urangan base)

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role that combines conservation, compliance, people leadership and marine operations across some of Queensland's most spectacular coastal and marine environments.

As Senior Ranger Compliance, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and influence regional compliance and enforcement outcomes that help protect Queensland's nationally and internationally significant marine parks.
• Build and mentor a highly capable team, developing the next generation of ranger leaders.
• Work alongside First Nations partners, Queensland Police, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, and a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.
• Take on varied and rewarding work, from strategic planning and investigations through to field operations on land and at sea.
• Develop specialist expertise in compliance, investigations and regulatory leadership while broadening your operational management experience.
• Contribute to high-profile projects, critical incident responses and complex compliance matters that have a genuine impact on the protection of Queensland's natural and cultural heritage.
• Enjoy a career where no two days are the same, balancing field-based operations, leadership, stakeholder engagement and strategic decision-making.

Before You Apply

...

Please note: A current Manual Driver's Licence is essential for successful applicants.

Why Join Us:

Because here, your work matters. You'll contribute to something bigger—protecting Queensland's natural heritage while building a career filled with variety, adventure, and purpose. Be part of a passionate & supportive regional team that values collaboration, diversity, and safety—on the water and on land.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proactive and adaptable compliance leader who can balance operational delivery, people leadership and stakeholder engagement with:

• Demonstrated experience leading compliance, regulatory or enforcement activities.
• The ability to investigate, assess and resolve complex compliance matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgement and the ability to make informed decisions in challenging situations.
• Experience working collaboratively across agencies and with diverse community and industry stakeholders.
• A passion for conservation and protecting Queensland's natural and cultural heritage.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who can lead from the front, foster a positive team culture, and confidently manage the unique challenges and opportunities that come with protecting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/706365/26
Closing Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026