Principal Ranger

Queensland Government; Charleville; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised accommodation

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking a Principal Ranger to lead conservation across some of Queensland’s most iconic protected areas, including Carnarvon and Currawinya National Parks.

Based in Charleville or Roma, you will oversee 1.58 million hectares of land, lead fire and pest management, visitor and cultural heritage programs, compliance, safety and asset management while guiding a team of 38 staff and building strong partnerships with First Nations peoples and communities.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management across large geographic areas.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with First Nations, communities and partners.
• Experience delivering operational programs in protected areas.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational programs across 1.58 million hectares including Carnarvon and Currawinya NP.
• Lead fire, pest and natural resource management and safety.
• Manage visitor and cultural heritage programs, compliance and asset management.
• Guide a team of 38 staff and build partnerships with First Nations and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Operational leadership

Team coordination

Job description

Lead Conservation at Scale.Shape the Future of Queensland’s Iconic Landscapes.

Ready to lead conservation across some of Queensland’s most iconic protected areas? As Principal Ranger, you'll oversee operational programs across 1.58 million hectares, including Carnarvon and Currawinya National Parks. Lead fire, pest and natural resource management, visitor & cultural heritage programs, compliance, safety and asset management while guiding a team of 38 staff and building strong partnerships with First Nations peoples, communities and stakeholders.

Based in Charleville or Roma, this role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful conservation outcomes across diverse landscapes. Subsidised accommodation in Charleville for up to two years is available. If you're an experienced leader with strong operational, stakeholder and people management skills, we'd love to hear from you.

Everyone at our Department recognises the importance of a healthy environment.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) contributes to ensuring some of our most diverse natural environments are maintained for the health and prosperity of current and future generations. In this role, you'll play a key role in driving the protection of our most wonderful places.

The Ideal Candidate

• Displays a passion for conservation, natural resource management and protecting Queensland's iconic parks, forests and protected areas.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with First Nations peoples, communities and partner agencies.
• Thrives in a dynamic operational environment, successfully leading geographically dispersed teams, balancing competing priorities and delivering results across large and diverse landscapes.

Why Join Us?

• Lead the management of more than 1.5 million hectares of nationally significant parks and forests, including iconic destinations such as Carnarvon and Currawinya National Parks.
• Make a meaningful impact by shaping conservation, fire, pest, visitor and cultural heritage outcomes across Queensland's West region.
• Enjoy a rewarding leadership role with a supportive team, unique regional lifestyle opportunities and subsidised accommodation in Charleville for up to two years.

The Queensland Government is committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/700280/26

Closing Date: Friday, 18 September 2026

Occupational group

Management