Ranger in Charge

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Based in Cairns, Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Cairns QLD invites you to lead a team of up to 10 Rangers across the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland. You’ll guide infrastructure and asset management, delivering projects and improvements that benefit parks, visitors, and communities.

You will foster partnerships with Traditional Owners, local communities and government agencies, and work in an environment that blends fieldwork with planning and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Leadership and the ability to motivate and support a team.
• Strong planning, project coordination and resource management skills.
• Practical problem-solving skills with infrastructure, assets and maintenance insight.
• Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to work in remote and challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of rangers and deliver meaningful results together.
• Own infrastructure and asset programs from planning to delivery.
• Deliver improvements to park facilities, visitor infrastructure, assets and services.
• Balance project planning with hands-on fieldwork and broader park management.
• Build partnerships with Traditional Owners, local communities and government agencies.

Job description

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Cairns QLD

Ready to take your career somewhere extraordinary?

Imagine leading and inspiring a high-performing team, driving operational excellence and delivering strategic outcomes across one of the world's most spectacular marine environments. Bring your proven leadership, strategic thinking, project management expertise and passion for conservation to a team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, diversity and safety.

Enjoy a diverse and rewarding career working across land and water, where no two days are the same and your leadership can create lasting environmental, operational and community benefits.

If you're ready to lead with confidence, influence positive change and make a meaningful contribution to the future of Queensland's iconic marine parks, we'd love to hear from you!

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.

The Opportunity: OO6 Ranger (Permanent) - Cairns

Based in Cairns, you'll get to work across one of the world's most incredible natural playgrounds - the Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks estate!

You'll lead the infrastructure and asset management program across the Far North Management Unit, heading up a team of up to 10 Rangers and bringing big ideas to life. From planning and delivering exciting projects to finding smarter ways to manage and maintain park assets, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership, get hands‑on and see the results of your work.

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 You'll Do:

Bring your ideas, back your team and make your mark on the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland.

• Lead a team and make an impact: Inspire, support and develop a team of rangers, building capability and delivering meaningful results together.
• Turn plans into reality: Take ownership of infrastructure and asset programs, from identifying priorities and developing work plans through to project delivery.
• See the results of your work: Deliver practical improvements to park facilities, visitor infrastructure, assets and essential operational services.
• Enjoy variety and challenge: No two days are the same. You'll balance project planning and coordination with hands‑on fieldwork and broader park management activities.
• Build strong partnerships: Work alongside Traditional Owners, local communities, neighbouring landholders, government agencies, industry and tourism operators.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys leading people, solving problems and getting things done. Someone who can confidently plan and manage projects, balance competing priorities, work collaboratively and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when the job calls for it.

You'll bring:

• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to motivate and support a team.
• Strong planning, project coordination and resource management skills.
• Practical problem‑solving skills and an appreciation of infrastructure, assets and maintenance.
• The ability to build productive relationships and work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Flexibility, resilience and a willingness to work in remote and challenging environments.

You'll also need to be comfortable with extended periods away from home, vessel based operations, 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.

Applications to remain current for 12 months. Job Ad Reference: QLD/706887/26 Closing Date: Monday, 23 November 2026

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