OO5 Ranger (Fire Operations)

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD – Townsville QLD is seeking a Ranger (Fire Operations) to lead fire management across Central Region protected areas. You will deliver planned burning, support bushfire response, and coordinate field activities with QPWS&P and partner agencies.

The role combines field and office work, requiring strong leadership, communication and firefighting planning.

Qualifications

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

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 operational documentation.
• Support training, exercises and capability development activities.
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to natural and cultural resource management outcomes across protected areas.
• Operate and maintain specialised plant, equipment and vehicles.
• Support disaster response and recovery operations as required.

Skills

Fire management

Communication

Planning & organisation

Leadership / supervision

Problem solving

Education

Conservation and ecosystem management qualification

Fire management or emergency management qualification

Tools

Computer skills

Reporting tools

Job description

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD - Townsville 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, please indicate your location preference for this role on your application.
Accommodation is not provided.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/704121/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026