Ranger

National Parks & Wildlife Service; Cobar; On-site; AUD 76,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued days off

Fitness Passport

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) in Cobar, Far West NSW, is seeking a Ranger to support conservation, visitor management and on-ground operations across iconic parks. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to threatened species protection and cultural heritage preservation.

Based in Cobar, you will engage with communities, balance park use with protection of values, and work with diverse stakeholders to plan and deliver practical conservation outcomes while developing

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent relevant to the field operations of the Agency.
• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Required to obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
• Willingness to fly in light aircraft and preparedness and ability to be involved in incident management duties including firefighting.

Responsibilities

• Support conservation, visitor management and on-ground operations across parks and new reserve acquisitions.
• Contribute to environmental planning, stakeholder engagement and incident management activities.
• Balance park use with protection of park values and work with communities and stakeholders.

Skills

Outdoor work

Stamina

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent relevant to field operations

Tools

4WD vehicle operation

Firefighting certification

Light aircraft awareness

Job description

Do you want to work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage. Ongoing full-time opportunity available. Based in Cobar, Far West NSW. Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $76K pa to $118K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays , and employer's contribution to superannuation. Successful candidates may be eligible for additional financial support on top of their salary package. This may include a remote area allowance and additional subsidies such as relocation support. Big skies. Open country. Work that makes a difference. Looking for a role where you can combine environmental expertise with time on Country and make a practical contribution to conservation? The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is looking for a Ranger based in Cobar, Far West NSW.

You will work across iconic parks and new reserve acquisitions, supporting conservation, visitor management and on-ground operations which provide known and potential habitat for threatened species and hold significant cultural importance for the Ngiyampaa people.

What you’ll do

This is a varied role combining environmental planning, stakeholder engagement and practical park management, where you’ll help shape how these areas are managed and protected. More broadly, NPWS Rangers contribute to the management and protection of natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage through environmental planning, project management, threatened species and pest management programs, fire management and law enforcement activities. They also work closely with communities and stakeholders to balance park use with the protection of park values.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who can think critically, communicate clearly and turn environmental knowledge into practical outcomes. You’ll be comfortable managing competing priorities, working independently and collaborating with people who bring different perspectives. Experience in environmental planning, natural or cultural heritage conservation, stakeholder engagement or park management will help you make an impact.

Life and work in Cobar

At the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way, Cobar offers big skies, open landscapes and the opportunity to become part of a regional community. This role will suit someone who enjoys solving practical environmental problems, building relationships and balancing time in the field with planning and assessment work. You’ll work with a diverse range of people and perspectives, including neighbours and local Aboriginal communities, to reach practical outcomes while protecting the natural and cultural values of these important landscapes.

Ready for a different kind of workplace? Join NPWS in Cobar and help shape the future management of some of NSW’s newest conservation areas. Come for the opportunity. Stay for the big skies, open country and work that makes a difference.

Essential requirements

• A degree or equivalent relevant to the field operations of the Agency.
• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Required to obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
• Willingness to fly in light aircraft and preparedness and ability to be involved in incident management duties including firefighting.

This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are eager to learn and develop the skills and qualifications needed to contribute toward improving and maintaining some of NSW’s most precious natural places. Applicants must meet the requirements of a specific medical assessment which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake the fitness test for firefighting fitness roles (i.e. moderate level Task-Based Assessment for Firefighters) within the 12-month probationary period, if relevant. The role holder must obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.

For more information read the full Role Description and to view the Ranger Progression and Degree Requirements please click here.

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry. We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

What we do

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Visit a park West Branch Overview

We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone.

Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.