Principal Ranger

Queensland Government; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government's Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) is seeking a Principal Ranger (Fire) to lead a dedicated fire management team, protecting Queensland's landscapes, communities and natural values. The role provides strategic leadership, staff coaching, and oversight of large-scale fire programs in collaboration with stakeholders and emergency services.

You will drive long-term fire management strategies, support workforce wellbeing, and navigate

Qualifications

• Experience leading fire management teams and programs.
• Ability to coach and develop staff with a focus on wellbeing.
• Strong collaboration with Traditional Owners, emergency services and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a fire management team and oversee large-scale fire programs.
• Provide strategic leadership and workforce performance management.
• Shape long-term fire management strategies and adapt to operational challenges.
• Develop staff through coaching and mentoring to build high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and Traditional Owners to protect landscapes and communities.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Do you inspire people, build high-performing teams and thrive in complex environments? Join us as Principal Ranger (Fire) and lead a dedicated fire management team responsible for protecting Queensland's landscapes, communities and natural values.

This is more than a fire operations role. You'll provide strategic leadership, coach and develop staff, manage workforce performance, lead large-scale fire programs and work closely with stakeholders, Traditional Owners and emergency service partners. From shaping long-term fire management strategies to supporting your team through operational challenges, you'll play a vital role in delivering safer, more resilient landscapes.

If you're a people-focused leader, strategic thinker and confident decision-maker who can balance operational excellence with strong workforce leadership, we want 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

• Bring a genuine passion for fire management, conservation and protecting Queensland's unique landscapes.
• Enjoy leading, mentoring and developing people, creating a positive team culture where everyone can thrive.
• Build strong relationships and work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, emergency services, stakeholders and local communities.
• Have the confidence to navigate workforce matters, support staff wellbeing and lead difficult conversations when needed.
• Be a strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while delivering practical outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Why Join Us?

• Be a part of a respectful workplace that values your development and wellbeing.
• Enjoy fantastic flexibility, benefits, work life balance, significant development opportunities!
• Enjoy the chance to work with a dynamic team that is passionate about conservation.

We encourage you to find out more about this role by contacting the contact officer and further information can be found in the role description.

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.

Occupational group

Primary Industry & Environment