Field Officer

National Parks & Wildlife Service; Cobar; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued days off

Fitness Passport

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

National Parks & Wildlife Service is hiring two Field Officers in Cobar, Far West NSW. You will help establish a strong NPWS presence across new conservation areas, contributing to conservation and operational work with neighbours, Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.

You’ll protect cultural heritage and species, manage pests, maintain facilities, and support fire response and other incidents in a remote location.

Qualifications

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent.
• Able to obtain MR licence and operate MR vehicles if required.
• Must obtain 4WD Recovery Certification within 6 months of commencement.
• First Aid certificate obtained within 6 months of commencement.
• Obtain White Card within 6 months of commencement.
• Chainsaw operation certification to level 1 crosscut standard within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and threatened species.
• Control pest animals and weeds.
• Maintain roads, trails, fencing, assets and visitor facilities.
• Prepare for and respond to fires and other incidents.
• Operate plant, machinery and equipment.
• Support restoration and compliance activities.

Skills

Outdoor teamwork

Safety focus

Communication

Practical skills

Education

Australian Class C Drivers licence

Medium Rigid (MR) Licence

4WD Recovery Certification

First Aid certificate

White Card (General Construction Induction)

Chainsaw operation Certification

Job description

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW? Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• 2 x Ongoing full-time opportunities available
• Based in Cobar, Far West NSW
• Salary relative to experience, ranges from $60K pa to $80K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays, and employer's contribution to superannuation
• Successful candidates may be eligible for additional financial support on top of their salary package, including a remote area allowance and additional subsidies such as relocation support

Big skies. Open country. Work that makes a difference. Looking for a role that gets you outdoors and beyond the usual workplace? The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is looking for two Field Officers based in Cobar, Far West NSW.

In these roles you’ll help establish a strong local NPWS presence across recently acquired conservation areas. You will be part of managing some of the region’s most interesting landscapes, contributing to conservation and operational work across new acquisitions, working with neighbours, Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders to care for areas which provide known and potential habitat for threatened species and hold significant cultural importance for the Ngiyampaa people.

What you’ll do

• Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and threatened species
• Controlling pest animals and weeds
• Maintaining roads, trails, fencing, assets and visitor facilities
• Preparing for and responding to fires and other incidents
• Operating plant, machinery and equipment
• Supporting restoration and compliance activities

Life and work in Cobar At the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way, Cobar offers big skies, open landscapes and the chance to become part of a regional community. This role will suit someone who enjoys practical, outdoor work and is genuinely interested in living and working in a remote location.

What you’ll bring

You don’t need to know everything on day one. We’re looking for people who are practical, safety focused, adaptable and willing to learn. You’ll work well in a team, be comfortable working with limited supervision and communicate confidently with people from different backgrounds. Experience with tools, machinery, four-wheel drives, conservation, agriculture, trades, fire management or similar outdoor work will be useful, but don’t rule yourself out if your experience comes from somewhere different. We’re interested in the skills you bring and your willingness to learn.

Essential requirements

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain Medium Rigid (MR) Licence and operate MR vehicles, if required.
• Obtain a Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Recovery Certification (Statement of Attainment) within 6 months of commencement as arranged by NPWS with compliant providers.
• First Aid certificate obtained within 6 months of commencement.
• Obtain General Construction Induction card (White Card) within 6 months from commencement.
• Certification (Statement of Attainment) to operate a chainsaw to level 1 crosscut standard obtained within 12 months from commencement.

This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are eager to learn and develop the skills and qualifications needed to contribute toward improving and maintaining NSW’s most precious natural places. Successful candidates must meet the requirements of a pre-employment medical assessment during the recruitment process, including obtaining medical clearance to perform the duties associated with the role. For more information read the full Role Description.

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry. We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training

What we do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Visit a park West Branch Overview

We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident. Applications close Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 11:55pm.