AO5, Senior Ranger - Compliance

Queensland Government; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking a Senior Ranger – Compliance (AO5) based at Manly or Urangan to lead regional compliance and enforcement for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, balancing field operations with regulatory leadership.

You will build and mentor a team, work with First Nations partners and agencies, and oversee investigations, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to protect Queensland's natural and cultural heritage.

Qualifications

• Experience leading compliance, regulatory or enforcement activities.
• Ability to investigate and resolve complex compliance matters.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative work with agencies and diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for conservation and protecting natural heritage.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional compliance and enforcement outcomes.
• Build and mentor a capable ranger team.
• Oversee investigations and strategic compliance planning.
• Coordinate field operations on land and at sea.
• Engage with First Nations partners, police and fisheries agencies.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Investigation skills

Decision making

Communication

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in environment/regulatory field

Job description

Nature. Experienced. Valued. Protected.Join Our Team - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Region - Southern Marine OperationsPurpose + People = SuccessPurpose - We care for Queensland's natural places by building strong connections with people, wildlife and the landscapes we protectPeople - We are passionate, proud, and driven to be our best, working together to collaborate, innovate and keep each other safeSuccess - 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 ForWe'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.To be considered for this exciting opportunity, APPLY NOW!Applications to remain current for 12 months.Job Ad Reference: QLD/706365/26Closing Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.