AO5, Senior Ranger - Compliance

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD; Hervey Bay; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD in Queensland invites a proactive Senior Ranger - Compliance to lead regional compliance and enforcement across marine parks. You’ll balance field operations, investigations, and people leadership while engaging with partners and communities.

This AO5 role offers a strategic leadership path, mentoring teams, coordinating with police, coast guard and First Nations partners, and delivering meaningful conservation outcomes in iconic

Qualifications

• 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.
• Lead from the front, foster a positive team culture, and manage challenges in protecting the Great Barrier Reef WHA.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Investigations

Job description

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD – Urangan QLD

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.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity,

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