Field Officer 1-4

NSW Government; Armidale; On-site; AUD 61,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer superannuation contributions

17% weekend/public holidays loading

Job summary

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in Armidale is seeking a Field Officer FO 1-4 to assist with park maintenance, pest control, and outdoor activities. The role involves operating equipment, fire management participation, and working with a team to protect environmental and cultural heritage.

Candidates must hold or be able to obtain required licences and certifications within set timeframes, and be prepared for physically active outdoor work in a dynamic regional environment.

Qualifications

• Current Australian Class C Driving licence is required.
• Willingness to obtain MR Licence and operate MR vehicles if needed.
• Must obtain 4WD Recovery Certification within 6 months of start date.
• First Aid certificate required within 6 months of commencement.
• White Card within 6 months of commencement.
• Chainsaw certification to level 1 crosscut within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Undertake construction, maintenance and improvements of NPWS parks and facilities.
• Assist with pest and weed control programs and fire management activities.
• Operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment and assist with compliance tasks.
• Respond to visitor enquiries and support field operations as required.

Skills

Fly in light aircraft

Compliance activities

Operate & maintain plant/equipment

Use computer systems/tablet/radio

Education

Current Australian Class C Driving licence

MR Licence (if required)

4WD Recovery Certification

First Aid certificate

White Card

Chainsaw certification

Job description

• Field Officer Grade 1-4


• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $60,629 to $80,886 and employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading (for working weekends and public holidays


• Full time 12 month temporary role (with possible conversion to ongoing role)


• Armidale location

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

Love working in the great outdoors? Join the New England area team of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in this hands on role helping to conserve the region.

About the role

Our Field Officer teams are the boots on the ground and undertake a diverse range of tasks including the construction, maintenance and improvements of NPWS parks and facilities. With the guidance of senior field staff, they also undertake pest and weed control programs, utilising pesticides, chemicals and assist with fire management activities joining highly trained teams to facilitate controlled hazard reductions and in response to wildfires. Field Officers also operate and maintain plant and equipment, respond to visitor enquiries and assist with compliance activities as required.

The role offers you the opportunity to develop skills in managing natural and cultural heritage. Much of this is learnt in the field, but experience and skills in this area is desirable. If you enjoy working hands-on in the great outdoors to enhance and preserve the natural and cultural heritage values of national parks, this could be the role for you!

About you

You’ll love the diversity, flexibility, and autonomy of the role. Your passion for your community and environment, coupled with a strong attention to detail and safety will be key to your success in this role. You’ll be a practical decision-maker with the ability to solve problems in the field. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team but be able to work alone or with minimal supervision. Your fitness and enthusiasm will enable you to thrive and succeed in this diverse role.

Key knowledge of experience

• Willingness to fly in light aircraft.


• Willingness to exercise delegated authority for compliance activities.


• Ability to use computer systems, tablet devices and communicate and operate a two-way radio.


• Ability to appropriately operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment, including but not limited to conditionally registered vehicles, watercraft (non-coxswain), lifting apparatus and appropriate plant.

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.

Firefighting requirements

• Applicants must meet the requirements of a firefighting medical during the recruitment process and 1-3 yearly thereafter, which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake frontline firefighting roles.


• Following commencement in a firefighting role, Field Officers must pass the task-based physical fitness assessment to a moderate level within their first 12 months of employment and annually thereafter.


• Ability to carry out frontline firefighting duties and support roles including ability to obtain and maintain NPWS certification as a crew member or higher, within the first 12 months of their employment.

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.

To view the Role Description: Field Officer NPWS Grade FO 1-4 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

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• 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

Northern Inland Branch Overview

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. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Applications close: Tuesday 17th November 2026 11.55pm

For more information about the role, please contact Trent Bull, Team Leader Field Operations, New England Area, Northern Inland Branch on 0428 925 351 or via email [e-mail]

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. 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.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Marie-Claire Bleakley on 0407 789 021 (please mention reference number 554205).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [e-mail] for a yarn.

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