Operations Officer – Parks and Visitor Services

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Shire Of Esperance; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex working arrangements

Salary packaging options

4 weeks annual leave

Job summary

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in Kalgoorlie is seeking an Operations Officer – Parks and Visitor Services to lead planning, coordination and delivery of parks and visitor services programs in the Goldfields Region.

You will liaise with communities and volunteers, manage the Visitor Risk Management program, assist with bushfire operations, and help enhance visitor experiences across Western Australia’s regional landscapes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience in planning, implementing and managing works programs related to natural land management or closely related areas.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills with experience liaising with external organisations; diverse groups and Aboriginal communities preferred.
• Experience leading and managing teams, including scheduling, goal setting, and stakeholder coordination; project management experience.
• Experience in infrastructure development, maintenance and budget control for allocated projects.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and implement parks and visitor services programs and operations in the Goldfields Region.
• Lead or manage the region’s Visitor Risk Management program and related databases.
• Liaise with recreation groups, stakeholders, and volunteers in a positive and informed manner.
• Participate in prescribed burning and bushfire suppression operations.

Skills

Parks & Visitor Services operations

Stakeholder liaison

Team leadership & project management

Infrastructure budgeting

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KALGOORLIE

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT

MIDDAY ON FRIDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2026

Job Description

Goldfields Region manages 8.6 million hectares of conservation reserves including national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, timber reserves, State forest and former pastoral leases (proposed reserves). Staff within the region work with traditional owners in many of these reserves to help protect the natural and cultural values of the area and to ensure customary activities and traditional practices are maintained. Goldfields Region is also responsible for fire preparedness, weeds and feral animal control on 40.3 million hectares of unallocated Crown land and unmanaged reserves. Kalgoorlie is the largest inland city in Western Australia, steeped with history and heritage. It remains a vibrant mining town and home to a young, family oriented and multicultural community. Kalgoorlie is a central hub for the arts, leisure and culture in regional WA. For more information about life in Kalgoorlie, visit https://www.ckb.wa.gov.au/our-city/move-to-kal.

We are currently seeking a Operations Officer – Parks and Visitor Services to join our team.

Under the direction (Level 3) or general direction (Level 4) of the Regional Leader Parks and Visitor Services:

• Participates in (Level 3) or organises (Level 4) the planning, coordination, and implementation of programs, projects, operations, and activities primarily associated with parks and visitor services (PVS) in the Goldfields Region.
• Leads (Level 3) or manages (Level 4) the region’s Visitor Risk Management program and recreation-related databases.
• Liaises with recreation and community groups, key stakeholders, and volunteers in a positive and informed manner.
• Undertakes an active role in prescribed burning and bushfire suppression operations.

At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than four (4) pages in total.

• Knowledge of and experience in, (Level 3) or demonstrated knowledge and experience in (Level 4) the operational implementation of works programs associated with natural land management or a closely related area, including planning, implementing and managing project works, understanding the threats to conservation and wildlife values associated with parks and visitor services work, and knowledge of Visitor Risk Management principles and practices.
• Evidence of good (Level 3) or well-developed (Level 4) interpersonal and oral communication skills with experience in liaising effectively with external organisations; government agencies, community, and special interest groups with a preference for someone willing to work with Aboriginal people and having an awareness of their culture.
• Knowledge and skills (Level 3) or demonstrated experience, knowledge and skills (Level 4) in leading and managing teams, working effectively as part of a team and independently; showing a high level of self-motivation, and skills in Project Management. Organising and implementing works programs; scheduling work, setting and reviewing goals, and controlling and reviewing progress; including experience with contractors and volunteers.
• Experience in infrastructure development, maintenance and budget preparation, control and expenditure of allocated work projects.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits Of Working With Us

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• District Allowance
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

For further job-related information: contact Jacki Baxter on 0427 111 665 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian "C" class drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility:

It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status. Only applicants who meet this eligibility requirement will be considered for this position.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail]. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.