Manager Area

NSW Government; Narrabri; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued days off

Wellbeing programs

Learning and development

Job summary

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking an Area Manager, Barwon, to lead up to 31 staff across 41 parks and reserves in the Barwon Area. You will oversee conservation, visitor services, park operations and joint management outcomes.

The role requires senior leadership, strategic planning, collaboration with Aboriginal communities and local stakeholders, plus strong financial and incident management capabilities. Applications close soon.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing diverse, dispersed and multi-disciplinary teams in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver park management operations and visitor services aligned to strategic outcomes; incident management experience.
• Experience advising on management issues and providing high level support in a senior function.
• Ability to collaborate with local communities and stakeholders; experience working with Aboriginal communities on cultural/environmental outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of up to 31 staff across 41 parks and reserves in the Barwon Area.
• Oversee conservation, visitor services and park operations with a focus on safety, heritage and infrastructure.
• Manage partnerships with local communities and Joint Management Committees to deliver outcomes.
• Support regional priorities, financial and systems management, and contingency planning.

Job description

From mountain ranges to internationally recognised wetlands - your next leadership role has real scope.

Lead the people and partnerships caring for 41 parks and reserves across the Barwon Area.

• Area Manager, Barwon (Clerk Grade 11-12) Ongoing full-time role
• Work from Barwon or Narrabri
• Package includes salary $154,231–$178,369 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (and other incentives)

Bring your operational leadership experience to a role where the connection between your decisions and the places you protect is clear. With NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), you will lead work that matters - for conservation, visitors and the communities of northern inland NSW.

About the role

Lead a team of up to 31 staff caring for 41 parks and reserves across the Barwon Area. From the Nandewar Range and Kaputar National Park to Narran Lakes and Gwydir Wetlands, you will oversee conservation, visitor services and park operations across some of northern inland NSW’s most distinctive landscapes.

As part of the Northern Inland Branch management team, you will turn regional priorities into practical results, supporting staff across Narrabri, Bingara and remote depots. Your remit spans fire preparedness and response, threatened species, pest and weed control, visitor safety, infrastructure and heritage conservation, backed by sound financial and systems management.

Partnerships are central to the role. You will work with local communities and support the Deriah, Terry Hie Hie and Narran Lakes Joint Management Committees to deliver cultural heritage and joint management outcomes.

Considering a regional move? Narrabri offers schools, sporting facilities and cultural activities, with national parks close by. Bring your leadership experience to a role with variety, responsibility and a strong connection to place.

About you

You know how to lead when the work is varied, the team is spread across locations and priorities compete. You bring strategic thinking, practical operational judgement and an approachable style that helps people work together. Your experience in protected area management or a related field has prepared you to lead field staff, rangers, administration and project staff, communicate clearly through change and translate plans into results. Just as importantly, you build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, local communities and stakeholders. If you are ready to apply that experience to the natural and cultural landscapes of the Barwon Area, we would like to hear from you.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive experience managing diverse, dispersed and multi-disciplinary teams in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver a diverse range of park management operations and visitor services aligned to strategic organisational outcomes and competence in incident management planning and control.
• Extensive experience and proven ability to exercise sound judgement in working in a senior function including the provision of advice on management of various issues and provision of high level support.
• Proven ability to work in collaboration with local communities and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal communities to deliver cultural and environmental outcomes; and/or demonstrated ability in working with Aboriginal boards and committees under joint management arrangements.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

For more information read the - Manager Area

NPWS is committed to building a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring strong representation of women in leadership roles. We aim to achieve a balanced and diverse leadership team. As such, we strongly encourage female candidates who possess the necessary capabilities and experience for these roles to apply.

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 NSWNational Parks & Wildlife Service
• Visit a park
• Northern InlandBranchOverview

Employment eligibility and visa sponsorship

Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur where no suitable permanent resident or citizen of Australia has been identified and must not exceed the duration or conditions associated with the current visa.

Sponsorship may be considered for applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role and are eligible for sponsorship, where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident has been identified.

Applications close: Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11:55pm

For further information about the role please contact John Whittall, Director Northern Inland Branch, NPWS on 0428693909 or [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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [e-mail] or contacting Naz Keya via [e-mail] (please mention reference number 553636).

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

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