Ranger - Compliance

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD; Whitsunday Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD in the Whitsundays region seeks an OO5 Ranger to lead a small team across island and marine parks. You will oversee day-to-day operations, vessel-based patrols, and projects that protect natural and cultural values while engaging visitors.

The role requires strong leadership, field experience in marine/conservation settings, and the ability to work rostered, remote locations with teams and communities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading small teams in field operations.
• Background in marine, conservation, parks, or outdoor operations.
• Practical, adaptable with decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Strong relationship-building with stakeholders and communities.
• Safety-focused leadership with roster and remote work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a small ranger team across Whitsundays.
• Coordinate day-to-day park operations and projects.
• Conduct vessel-based patrols and visitor engagement.
• Coordinate infrastructure projects and environmental management.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners and local communities.
• Manage weeds, pests, and fire management.

Skills

Leadership

Maritime operations

Conservation

Safety management

Job description

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation QLD – Airlie Beach QLD

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 vessel‑based operations and spending extended periods away from home. The role also involves tropical conditions and a roster that includes weekends and public holidays.