Do you want to work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage
- Exciting opportunity for a Ranger (Aboriginal Identified) - Contribute towards the care, control and management of the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL).
- Temporary, full-time role until 30 June 2027 - Located in Anna Bay on Worimi Country
- Recruitment Yarn to be held on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 5pm
- Package includes salary $72,051 - $111,288, employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays
We’re looking for deadly mob to work on Worimi Country
This is an Aboriginal-identified role based on beautiful Worimi Country, working alongside the Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) in one of NSW’s most significant joint-managed parks. The Worimi Conservation Lands are rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage. This Country holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Worimi People.
As part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, you’ll be walking and working on Country—helping care for the land, yarning with community, and keeping culture strong. You’ll be part of a solid, supportive team that values connection to Country, respects cultural knowledge, and works closely with Traditional Owners.
About the role
The Ranger is responsible for effectively managing natural, historical, and Aboriginal heritage by coordinating and supervising projects, environmental assessments, visitor engagement, and field-based activities, including bushfire management and law enforcement. The role contributes to achieving environmental and heritage obligations by ensuring the conservation of natural and cultural values within parks.
Key responsibilities include managing ecological restoration projects, implementing fire management programs, overseeing wildlife and vegetation conservation efforts, and supporting visitor safety and emergency response operations. The Ranger also participates in law enforcement activities and collaborates in the development of environmental plans and management strategies.
About you
You are a proactive professional with a passion for conserving and managing Aboriginal, natural and historic heritage. With experience in environmental assessments, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement, you make a meaningful impact on conservation and visitor experiences.
You are capable of planning and participating in field-based activities, including incident management and law enforcement, demonstrating sound judgment and a commitment to public safety and environmental protection. You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing planning, hands-on work, and emergency response.
Essential requirements
- This is an identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role.
- 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.
This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are eager to learn and develop the skills and qualifications needed to contribute toward improving and maintaining some of NSW’s most precious natural places.
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.
The role holder must obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
- An Applicant applying for a position that is involved in the care, control and management of the Worimi Conservation Lands must have knowledge and a Cultural Association with the local area and local Worimi people as an essential selection criterion in order to manage and care for the Lands.
As part of the recruitment process applicants must demonstrate the Cultural Association Requirements being A, B or C.
A. Being a descendant from the original inhabitants of the local Worimi people of Port Stephens by producing documentation from the Registrar proving entry on the Register of Aboriginal Owners “or” has a direct family blood link with a person listed on the Register of Aboriginal Owners.
OR
B. Identified and recognised as a Traditional Owner being descended from the original inhabitants of the local Worimi people of Port Stephens through research into Cultural Association conducted by Native Title Services or the Office of the Registrar.
OR
C. Identifies as and accepted as being an Aboriginal person by the Worimi Registered Aboriginal Owners of the WCL Board of Management and have demonstrated involvement with and knowledge of Aboriginal communities.
View the Ranger Progression and Degree Requirements
Why join the team?
- Be part of a Aboriginal-led approach to land management (caring for Country)
- Share your knowledge and learn on the job with experienced team members
- Build up your skills including stakeholder engagement, community education, heritage conservation and compliance and licensing
- Work in a deadly team that has your back and values your voice
About the Worimi Conservation Lands
The 4200-hectare
Worimi Conservation Lands is managed by the local Worimi Traditional Owners through the Worimi Conservation Lands Board of Management, in partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Aboriginal-owned park is managed to ensure the protection of the natural and cultural values of the Stockton Bight landscape, while providing public access and promoting safe and sustainable recreational and commercial use.
This is a rich cultural landscape that we want to protect for future generations. We will protect, respect and connect the Lands, and our country will connect and protect us.
- Protecting Country - Protecting country means looking after the traditional, cultural and environmental landscape. The plants and animals, our sites and places and beliefs and knowledge are all part of our culture and heritage that we will protect.
- Respecting Country - Respecting country includes our respect of “Elders and Knowledge Holders”, past, present and future generations. The Lands must be respected, and those who visit and enjoy the Lands must understand its values. This is important in respecting our country.
- Connecting Country - Connecting with country is about spending time on the Lands and learning the values of the Lands. It’s about understanding that we are Worimi people belonging to this country. We have a spiritual connection to this country and will pass this on to our present and future generations.
Who we are
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.
• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
Recruitment Yarn
We are holding a Recruitment Yarn from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday 21 May 2025. The yarn will include information on the roles and provide guidance and assistance with NSW government recruitment processes. This session will be held online. Register your interest to
kylie.miller@environment.nsw.gov.au or
join the yarn here.
To Apply
We look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Applications close: Tuesday 10 June 2025 at 11.55pm
For information about the role please contact the Hiring Manager, Richard Colbourne, a/Area Manager, on 0419 157 179 or via richard.colbourne@environment.nsw.gov.au
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
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?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Kylie Miller on 0459 877 821 (please mention reference number 542786).
