Ranger in Charge

I Work For Sa; Hawker; On-site; AUD 97,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised on-park accommodation

Locality allowance

Flexible working

Superannuation 12%

Job summary

Department for Environment and Water in South Australia is seeking a Ranger in Charge to lead park management at Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. You will live on-park, manage a dedicated team and collaborate with the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners through co-management arrangements.

You will drive conservation programs, guide operations, enhance visitor experiences in remote environments, and ensure compliance with policies.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of ecological conservation principles and practical park management.
• Ability to interpret relevant legislation and policy.
• Experience supervising a team and delivering projects within a park context.

Responsibilities

• Lead park management delivery across conservation areas.
• Oversee staff, set operational priorities and guide delivery.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners through co-management arrangements.
• Drive conservation programs such as species recovery and habitat protection.
• Enhance visitor experiences in a remote natural setting.

Skills

Team leadership

Driver's license (Class C)

4WD operation

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Department for Environment and Water

Job reference: 863609
Location: 5434 - WILPENA
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

Step into a career-definingleadership opportunity as Ranger in Charge at the Ikara FlindersRanges National Park—one of South Australia's most spectacular andecologically significant landscapes. The role provides theopportunity to live and work on-park, lead a committed team, andcontribute to meaningful conservation and co-management outcomesalongside the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners.

As Ranger in Charge, you will lead the delivery of parkmanagement across one of the state's most iconic conservationareas. You will oversee staff, guide operational priorities, andwork collaboratively with Traditional Owners through establishedco-management arrangements.

You will play a key role in delivering significant conservationprograms, including:

• Reintroduction and recovery of threatened species.
• Protection of key species such as Yellow-footed RockWallabies.
• Implementation of park management strategies andprograms.
• Enhancing visitor experiences in a unique and remotenatural setting.

Salary & Benefits

• OPS6 Salary: $97,292 – $102,456 per annum.
• 12% superannuation plus recreation leave loading.
• Penalty loading for weekend and public holiday work.
• Subsidised on-park accommodation provided.
• Locality allowance.
• Flexible working arrangements.

What's in it for You?

• Live on-park and immerse yourself in one of South Australia'smost remarkable landscapes.
• Lead a passionate, high-performing team and influenceconservation outcomes.
• Work in genuine partnership with the Adnyamathanha People,supporting cultural heritage and shared land management.
• Make an impact on threatened species recovery and biodiversityconservation.
• Enjoy the lifestyle of the nearby Hawker community, with accessto schools, healthcare, and sporting facilities.
• Be supported by experienced colleagues across the Flinders &Outback Region and statewide networks.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• The opportunity to shape your career in a high-impact leadershiprole.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing tosignificant environmental outcomes in the great state of SouthAustralia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract:

Ongoing, with a proposed commencementdate Middle of March 2027.

Essential Criteria (includingqualifications):

• Maintains a thorough and up to date knowledge of, and hasrelevant experience in, ecological and nature conservationmanagement principles and practices including: water resources,land management, wildlife management, fire management, controlof environmental pest plant and animal species, habitatrestoration and associated threat abatement across terrestrial,riverine and marine environments.
• Is able to accurately interpret and effectively applyrelevant legislation and policy.
• Seeks feedback on written communication to monitor owneffectiveness.
• Provides considered advice and information on issuesrelating to park management.
• Well developed skills and experience in project managementincluding planning, procurement, risk, budget and contractmanagement.
• Shows an accurate understanding of contemporary approachsto community engagement, sustainable tourism and the managementof visitor services in a park management context anddemonstrates a knowledge of lease management principles andpractices.
• Proven track record in effectively supervising a team, andthe ability to foster a collaborative environment to achieveorganisational goals.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness andability to safely operate a 4wd is essential.

Special Conditions:

• Will be required to participate in emergency preparedness,response, recovery, search and rescue and marine mammalstranding activities as directed by government agencies. Thismay require at times, some out of hour’s work including theparticipation in an “on-call” roster.
• Will be required to work some weekends, public holidays anddays of significant fire danger for which a penalty rate willbe applied.
• Will be required to undertake a medical and fitnessassessment for a Fire Fighting Role Classification as definedin the DEW Fire Management Policy and Procedures.
• May be required to work from any location within the regionor any region or management unit within the state.
• Intra or interstate travel is required, including extendedperiods of time away from home and travel in lightaircraft.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, orprovide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allowsyou to work in Australia.
• Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or whenrepresenting the department is mandatory.
• The Department for Environment and Water is committed toproviding a safe environment to all children and young peoplewho access our services and visit our sites. This rolerequires candidates to provide a valid Working with ChildrenCheck which must be renewed every five years before expiry. DEWwill cover the cost of renewal.
• This role requires candidates to provide a NationallyCoordinated Criminal History Check which must be renewed everythree years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost ofrenewal.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by theDepartment for Environment and Water will be required to have anoriginal photo identification document sighted and provide a validNationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued withinthe last 12 months. This information must be supplied by allapplicants who are shortlisted for interview.

Remuneration:

OPS6 $97,292 min - $102,456 max p.a.

Enquiries to:

David Phillips, District Ranger
[e-mail]
Mobile: [phone]

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Flexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.