Ranger - Compliance

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Whitsunday Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Airlie Beach QLD is seeking an OO5 Ranger to lead a small team across the Whitsundays, delivering hands-on conservation, marine operations and visitor management. You’ll coordinate day-to-day park operations, patrols and community engagement in a dynamic, remote setting.

You’ll lead field operations across islands, contribute to weed and pest control, fire management and infrastructure projects, and work with Traditional Owners and tourism partners

Qualifications

• Experience in marine, conservation, parks, tourism, outdoor operations or a similar field-based environment.
• Current Manual Driver's Licence is essential for successful applicants.
• Ability to lead a small team and coordinate day-to-day park operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a small team of rangers across the Whitsundays.
• Coordinate park operations, patrols, visitor engagement and field activities.
• Deliver projects on weed and pest control, fire management and infrastructure work.
• Work with Traditional Owners, tourism operators and local communities.

Skills

Leadership

Marine operations

Visitor management

Team leadership

Field operations

Decision making

Safety focus

Job description

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Airlie Beach QLD

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, marine operations and visitor management 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

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