OO5 Ranger (Fire Operations)

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD – Mackay is seeking a Ranger (Fire Operations) to lead and coordinate fire management in Central Region. The role supports planned burning, bushfire response and emergency operations across significant protected areas, working with QPWS&P, the Queensland Fire Department and local partners.

You will oversee field and office duties, maintain records, and contribute to conservation outcomes while ensuring safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• Experience in fire management or bushfire operations is required.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to coordinate competing priorities and perform under pressure.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety and risk management principles.
• Willingness to travel regularly, including deployments and after-hours work.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement planned burning and wildfire management activities.
• Participate in bushfire response, incident management and emergency operations.
• Coordinate and lead operational projects and field activities.
• Assist with fire planning, preparedness and resource management.
• Maintain fire management records, reporting and documentation.
• Support training, exercises and capability development activities.
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to natural and cultural resource management across protected areas.
• Operate and maintain specialised plant, equipment and vehicles.
• Support disaster response and recovery operations as required.

Skills

Fire operations

Stakeholder engagement

Planning

Leadership

Education

Conservation and ecosystem management or related discipline

Job description

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

OO5 Ranger (Fire Operations)
Are you passionate about fire management, conservation and operational leadership?
Join the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Central Region Fire Team and play a key role in delivering fire management outcomes across some of Queensland's most significant protected areas.

As a Ranger (Fire Operations), you will contribute to the delivery of planned burning programs, bushfire response operations, emergency management activities and broader land management outcomes across Central Region. The role supports a strategic and consistent approach to fire management while working closely with operational rangers, fire specialists and key stakeholders.

You will work collaboratively with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships (QPWS&P), the Queensland Fire Department, First Nations peoples, neighbouring landholders and partner agencies to deliver safe and effective fire management outcomes.

This role offers a diverse mix of field-based and office-based responsibilities. Duties may include:

• Planning and implementing planned burning and wildfire management activities.
• Participating in bushfire response, incident management and emergency operations.
• Coordinating and leading operational projects and field activities.
• Assisting with fire planning, operational preparedness and resource management.
• Maintaining fire management records, reporting and operational documentation.
• Supporting training, exercises and capability development activities.
• Building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to natural and cultural resource management outcomes across protected areas.
• Operating and maintaining specialised plant, equipment and vehicles.
• Supporting disaster response and recovery operations as required.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking individuals who are passionate about conservation, fire management and operational excellence. You will thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, and demonstrate strong judgement, initiative and professionalism.

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

• Demonstrated experience in fire management, bushfire operations or emergency response.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to coordinate competing priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Sound planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading or supervising operational activities and field-based work programs.
• A commitment to workplace health and safety and risk management principles.
• Strong computer, administrative and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of natural resource management and conservation practices.

Requirements:

• A current unrestricted manual driver's licence is essential.
• Qualifications in conservation and ecosystem management, fire management, emergency management or a related discipline will be highly regarded.
• You must be willing and able to travel regularly, including extended deployments, overnight stays and after-hours work.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required to undertake field-based and emergency response activities.
• Successful applicants may be required to participate in bushfire response, incident management, disaster response and recovery operations.

This position is based in Central Region and Location is negotiable – Mackay, Townsville or Rockhampton preferred.

Accommodation is not provided.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/704121/26

Closing Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026