Ranger - Compliance

Queensland Government; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government is seeking an OO5 Ranger to lead a small team across the Whitsundays, delivering hands-on conservation, visitor management and park operations in tropical island and marine environments.

You will coordinate day-to-day tasks, engage with Traditional Owners and operators, undertake vessel-based patrols, weed and pest control, and support fire management while fostering safe, positive visitor experiences across remote island locations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading people in marine/park environments.
• Ability to manage field operations and field teams.
• Willingness to work on remote island locations and in tropical conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small ranger team across the Whitsundays and coordinate day-to-day park operations.
• Deliver hands-on conservation, visitor management and safety within marine and island environments.
• Coordinate vessel-based patrols, weed/pest control, fire management and engagement with Traditional Owners and local communities.

Skills

Team leadership

Marine conservation

Parks management

Outdoor operations

Stakeholder engagement

Safety leadership

Tools

Manual Driver's Licence

Job description

Lead the team. Live the adventure. Protect the Whitsundays!

Ever dreamed of working among turquoise waters, tropical islands and some of Queensland's most spectacular marine parks? This is your chance!

We're looking for an OO5 Ranger to lead a small team, get out on the water, and deliver hands‑on conservation and visitor management across the Whitsundays. With a strong focus on compliance, engagement, and park presentation, you'll help protect some of Queensland's most iconic marine and island environments while supporting positive visitor experiences and sustainable park use. across the Whitsundays.

No two days are the same. From island adventures and marine patrols to conservation projects and team leadership, you'll make a real difference while building an exciting career in protected area management.

Nature. Experienced. Valued. Protected.

Join Our Team - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Region

Purpose + People = Success

• Purpose - We care for Queensland's natural places by building strong connections with people, wildlife, and the landscapes we protect
• People - We are passionate, proud, and driven to be our best, working together to collaborate, innovate, and keep each other safe
• Success - We create lasting, positive impact—where nature thrives, and communities value and connect with the environment

OO5 Ranger | Whitsunday Management Unit

Imagine heading out to work across the islands and turquoise waters of the Whitsundays, leading a small team of rangers and helping protect one of Queensland's most spectacular natural playgrounds.

This is your opportunity to combine your passion for the outdoors and marine environments with hands‑on leadership, exciting field operations and meaningful conservation work.

As an OO5 Ranger, you'll lead and mentor a small team, coordinate day‑to‑day park operations and help deliver projects that make a real difference. No two days will look the same. One day you could be out on the water undertaking park patrols and visitor engagement; the next, coordinating infrastructure projects, tackling weeds and pests, supporting fire management or working with Traditional Owners and local communities.

Before You Apply…

Please note: A current Manual Driver's Licence is essential for successful applicants.

Why Join Us

Because here, your work matters. You'll contribute to something bigger—protecting Queensland's natural heritage while building a career filled with variety, adventure, and purpose. Be part of a passionate & supportive operations team that values collaboration, diversity, and safety—on the water and on land.

What makes this role exciting?

• Work somewhere extraordinary: Explore and help manage internationally significant island and marine parks across the Whitsundays.
• Get out in the field: Enjoy a hands‑on role involving vessel‑based operations, island visits and a diverse range of outdoor activities.
• Step into leadership: Lead, support and mentor a small team while building a positive, capable and motivated workplace.
• Make a lasting impact: Help protect Queensland's natural and cultural values for future generations.
• Build great connections: Work alongside Traditional Owners, tourism operators, partner agencies and local communities.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Enjoys leading people and bringing a team together to achieve great outcomes.
• Has experience in marine, conservation, parks, tourism, outdoor operations or a similar field‑based environment.
• Is practical, adaptable and confident making decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Enjoys working with people and building strong relationships.
• Is passionate about protecting the environment and creating positive experiences for park visitors.
• Takes safety seriously and leads by example.

The adventure comes with responsibility.

You'll need to be comfortable working in remote island locations, undertaking vesselbased operations and spending extended periods away from home. The role also involves tropical conditions and a roster that includes weekends and public holidays.

If you're ready for a leadership opportunity that's anything but ordinary, we'd love to hear from you.

Vlosing Date: Wednesday, 25 November 2026

Occupational group

Primary Industry & Environment