Principal Ranger (Fire)

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is seeking a Principal Ranger (Fire) to lead Central Region's fire management across national parks, forests and reserves, providing strategic direction for planning, burning, preparedness and response to protect people, property, culture and the environment.

You will lead a specialist regional fire team, collaborate with First Nations peoples, Queensland Fire Department, local communities and stakeholders, and represent QPWS at

Responsibilities

• Lead Central Region's fire management program across national parks, State forests, timber reserves, marine parks and other protected areas.
• Provide strategic leadership for fire planning, planned burning, bushfire preparedness and response, workforce capability, governance and continuous improvement.
• Lead a specialist regional fire team and work with operational staff to deliver safe, effective fire management practices.
• Collaborate with First Nations peoples, Queensland Fire Department, local communities, neighbouring landholders and stakeholders to support coordinated fire and land management outcomes.
• Represent QPWS on regional and state fire management forums and bushfire management groups.
• Contribute to regional disaster management activities, supporting preparedness, response and recovery efforts for bushfires and other natural disasters.

Job description

Principal Ranger (Fire)
Are you an experienced fire management professional looking to lead meaningful work across some of Queensland's most significant natural and cultural landscapes?

As Principal Ranger (Fire), you will lead Central Region's fire management program across national parks, State forests, timber reserves, marine parks and other protected areas. You will provide strategic leadership for fire planning, planned burning, bushfire preparedness and response, workforce capability, governance and continuous improvement, helping to protect people, property, cultural values and the environment.

This is an opportunity to lead a specialist regional fire team and work closely with operational staff to deliver safe, effective and contemporary fire management practices. Your leadership will help shape regional priorities, strengthen organisational capability and support conservation and community safety outcomes across more than 3.9 million hectares of managed land.

The role requires strong collaboration and relationship-building skills. You will work with First Nations peoples, the Queensland Fire Department, local communities, neighbouring landholders and other stakeholders to support coordinated fire and land management outcomes. You will also represent QPWS on regional and state fire management forums and bushfire management groups.

Beyond fire management, you will contribute to regional disaster management activities, supporting preparedness, response and recovery efforts associated with bushfires and other natural disasters.

This is a diverse and rewarding role that combines strategic leadership with practical operational delivery. One day you may be contributing to regional planning, capability development or partnership initiatives; the next, supporting fire operations, emergency response activities or visiting remote areas to engage with staff and stakeholders.

Join us and make a lasting contribution to conservation, community safety and the future of fire management in Central Region.

This position is Negotiable in Central Region - Rockhampton, Townsville or Mackay preferred. Please indicate your location preference for this position on your application.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/700009/26
C losing Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026

We're the Queensland government agency responsible for managing and protecting the state's environment and natural resources.

Everyone can find their place here with us. We have heaps of opportunities for those who can see themselves as fearless park rangers, tech-savvy wildlife officers, eco-rule enforcers, policy officers or even project officers; or perhaps any of the roles that support them- like admin, media and comms, finance human resources and legal- to name just a few.

No matter what preference or passion, you'll find #ACareerthatmatters #AContributionthatcounts with us.

We're the Queensland government agency responsible for managing and protecting the state's environment and natural resources.

Everyone can find their place here with us. We have heaps of opportunities for those who can see themselves as fearless park rangers, tech-savvy wildlife officers, eco-rule enforcers, policy officers or even project officers; or perhaps any of the roles that support them- like admin, media and comms, finance human resources and legal- to name just a few.

No matter what preference or passion, you'll find #ACareerthatmatters #AContributionthatcounts with us.