Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- 2 x ongoing full-time opportunities available
- Role 1 based in Coffs Harbour & Role 2 based in Dorrigo (both involve a combination of field and office work)
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $74K pa to $114K pa + super and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays
Are you passionate about protecting nature, supporting communities, and helping visitors explore NSW’s stunning national parks? Join the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as a Ranger and play a vital role in helping to conserve our state’s precious natural, cultural and Aboriginal heritage.
Why this role matters: Rangers play a hands-on role in managing national parks, safeguarding biodiversity, and enhancing visitor experiences across diverse landscapes. This is an opportunity to build a purposeful career—one where your work directly supports the environment, communities, wildlife, and future generations.
Your responsibilities:
- Conserve natural, cultural, and Aboriginal heritage across NPWS parks and reserves.
- Plan and deliver on-ground projects like ecological restoration, threatened species recovery, weed and pest control, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Participate in fire management and emergency responses (with relevant training).
- Conduct environmental assessments and contribute to management planning.
- Engage with visitors, neighbours, community groups, and Aboriginal communities, fostering conservation awareness.
- Assist in visitor safety, search and rescue, and other emergency duties.
- Carry out delegated law enforcement under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
No two days are the same—you might coordinate a restoration project one day and support an emergency response the next.
About you: Your passion for conservation and the environment, coupled with a strong attention to detail will be key to success in this role. We’re looking for enthusiastic, practical problem-solvers who are passionate about the outdoors, effective communicators, respectful of diverse communities, comfortable working solo or in teams, and keen to develop their field-based skills. As a Ranger you will assist in managing projects, stakeholder engagement, weed and feral animal control, fire management, undertaking compliance activities and conserving our natural and cultural heritage.
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.
Please note: This role involves working on a rotating roster and you will be required to work on weekends and public holidays.
For more information, view the Role Description.
Be part of something bigger.
NPWS manages over 880 national parks and reserves, covering 7.4 million hectares—from rainforests to the outback. As a Ranger, you’ll help care for Country, conserve biodiversity, protect heritage, and support meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal communities.
You’ll join a passionate, skilled workforce dedicated to one purpose: ensuring a sustainable NSW for future generations.
Start your journey with NPWS and help shape the future of our natural and cultural landscapes!
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.
To view the Ranger Progression and Degree Requirements: Ranger Progression - Degree Requirements
Who we are
The 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 you
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.
- Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
- Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
What we do
About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Visit a park
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter 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 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.
Applications close Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 11:55pm.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Andrew Pitzen via andrew.pitzen@dcceew.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.npws.gov.au or contacting Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 547848).
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 AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
