Ranger - NPWS Talent Pool Process

Join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and play a role in conserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

• Talent pool recruitment for ongoing and temporary opportunities across North Coast NPWS Workplaces
• Office & depot locations include Coffs Harbour, Bowraville, Dorrigo, Grafton, Port Macquarie, Alstonville, Kyogle, Kempsey, Murwillumbah, Toormina & Byron Bay
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $76K pa to $118K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays and employer's contribution to superannuation

It's an exciting time to join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. As we continue to grow our workforce across the North Coast Branch, we’re establishing a talent pool for ongoing and temporary opportunities within NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service over the next 18 months. Successful applicants may be considered for roles across multiple locations and teams as vacancies arise based on your preferences nominated in your application.

About the BranchNorth Coast Branch manages more than 634,000 hectares of diverse coastal and hinterland areas (comprising 220 protected areas) and is well known for its idyllic beaches and highly popular campgrounds. Each year, over 7 million people enjoying visiting our parks. The Branch comprises ten teams responsible for the management of these parks stretching from Tweed Byron in the North, Richmond River, Clarence, Coffs Coast and Hastings Macleay to the South.  These are supported by multiple Program Teams to assist with the delivery of Conservation, Fire, Visitor Experience, Assets, Projects, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Joint Management.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is building a Talent Pool for future Ranger Grade 1–2 opportunities across the North Coast Branch region.

About the Role

As a Ranger, you'll help protect and manage some of NSW's most important natural and cultural landscapes. From conservation projects and visitor management to community engagement, fire management and wildlife protection, no two days are the same.

In this role, you may be involved in:

• Planning and delivering projects that protect natural and cultural heritage
• Working with Aboriginal communities, visitors, neighbours and stakeholder groups
• Supporting fire management and emergency response activities
• Undertaking environmental assessments, surveys and site management
• Contributing to visitor safety, compliance and education
• Using spatial data and field information to support planning and operations

About YouWe’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, practical and passionate about conservation and caring for Country. You’ll enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, communicating with a wide range of people and balancing competing priorities in a busy operational environment.

The role suits people who are physically active, enjoy working as part of a team and are keen to care for some of NSW’s most precious natural places.

You’ll bring:

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Sound judgement and problem-solving ability
• A collaborative, respectful and community-focused approach
• An interest in natural, cultural and Aboriginal heritage conservation
• The ability to plan, prioritise and deliver practical outcomes
• Willingness to use and understand technologies and corporate systems
• Integrity, accountability and a commitment to safe work practices

Essential Requirements

• A degree or equivalent relevant to the field operations of the Agency.
• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Required to obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
• Willingness to fly in light aircraft and preparedness and ability to be involved in incident management duties including firefighting.

Applicants must meet the requirements of a specific medical assessment which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake the fitness test for firefighting fitness roles (i.e. moderate level Task-Based Assessment for Firefighters) within the 12-month probationary period, if relevant. For more information read the Role Description, view the Ranger Progression and Degree Requirements or visit the Ranger careers page on the NPWS website.

Who we areThe Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry. We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment. 

What we can offer youNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

What we doAbout NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Visit a park
North Coast Branch Overview

To ApplyIf excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (max 4 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

NPWS' North Coast Branch recognises and respects the ongoing custodial responsibilities of Aboriginal peoples in caring for Country. We are committed to supporting Aboriginal employment, cultural knowledge and partnerships, and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for roles within our branch. We are particularly focused on strengthening diversity in our frontline workforce. North Coast Branch actively supports women pursuing or progressing careers in operational roles, providing training, development and flexible working opportunities where possible.

**Applications close Sunday 6 September 2026 at 11:55pm

Talent pool assessment process:** For this talent pool recruitment process, applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period. Suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date to attend an interview or complete one or more assessment tasks. This means the assessment process may begin while the role is still advertised, so we encourage you apply as early as possible.

For more information contact Sean Court via [email protected] or [0472 862 105](tel:0472 862 105) / Andrew Pitzen via [email protected] or [0448 697 155](tel:0448 697 155) / Peter Walters via [email protected] or [0400 548 194](tel:0400 548 194).

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] or contact Jodi Arthur on [02 6360 9015](tel:02 6360 9015) (mention reference 552140).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [email protected] for a yarn.