- Field Officer 3-4
- Ongoing full-time opportunity
- Based in South Grafton
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $73,737 to $78,530 + employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays.
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
About the role
As a Field Officer with the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), you’ll play a vital role in conserving and caring for some of New South Wales’ most significant natural and cultural landscapes. Working predominantly outdoors as part of a small, supportive team, you’ll help keep parks and reserves safe, welcoming and sustainably managed for visitors—now and into the future.
The Clarence Area team consists of around 30 dedicated staff who deliver a wide range of park management activities across 41 protected areas, covering nearly 190,000 hectares. The area includes the stunning and highly visited Yuraygir Coast, with numerous popular campgrounds, and is actively involved in bushfire management, native species protection, and collaborative work with a diverse range of stakeholders across the Clarence Valley and beyond.
This position is based at the South Grafton depot, with additional facilities at Iluka and the main office on Victoria Street, Grafton. The Clarence Area is fast‑paced and dynamic, with a friendly, inclusive team culture built on trust, accountability and teamwork. Every team member plays an important role in achieving positive outcomes for parks, communities and the environment.
What the role involves
- Maintaining and improving park assets such as visitor facilities, tracks, roads, campgrounds and heritage buildings
- Undertaking conservation activities including pest, weed, fire and threatened species management
- Operating and maintaining a range of tools, vehicles and equipment
- Supporting fire management and emergency response activities (following training and certification)
- Engaging with park visitors by providing information, promoting safety and delivering positive visitor experiences
This is a physically active role suited to people who enjoy practical work, learning new skills and working outdoors in varied environments, including remote locations.
What we’re looking for
- A current Class C driver licence and willingness to obtain required certifications
- MR licence or willingness to obtain
- A strong commitment to safety, teamwork and environmental stewardship
- The ability to work independently and follow work programs with minimal supervision
- An interest in conservation, land management and outdoor work
NPWS is transitioning to a Field Officer Grade 1–4 classification. Successful candidates for this role will transition to the updated model as it is implemented, with progression based on satisfactory performance, demonstrated achievement of the mandatory competencies for each grade, and time in the role.
About You
We’re looking for people who:
- Enjoy working outdoors in practical, hands‑on roles
- Are physically fit, safety‑focused and comfortable working in varied and sometimes remote environments
- Take pride in maintaining assets and protecting natural and cultural heritage
- Work well as part of a team but can also operate independently when required
- Show initiative, reliability and a willingness to learn new skills and gain certifications
- Communicate respectfully and positively with colleagues, park visitors and community members
- Care about conservation, public land management and delivering safe, positive visitor experiences
This role suits people who are adaptable, community‑minded and motivated to contribute to the long‑term care of NSW’s parks and reserves.
Essential requirements
- Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and four-wheel driving certification.
- Demonstrated ability and experience to carry out all duties safely and ability to obtain relevant SafeWork NSW certification to appropriately operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment, including but not limited to conditionally registered vehicles, watercraft, lifting apparatus and road maintenance plant as well as the ability and willingness to obtain a First Aid certificate.
- Certification, or ability to obtain certification within the probationary period (up to 12 months) in operating a chainsaw to crosscut and basic tree felling standard; ability to operate two-way radio.
- Ability to carry out frontline firefighting duties and support roles including ability to obtain and maintain certification as a crew member or higher, within the probationary period (up to 12 months), and a willingness to fly in light aircraft.
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 NSW’s most precious natural places.
Field Officer applicants must meet the requirements of a firefighting medical which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake frontline firefighting roles. The applicant must pass the task-based fitness assessment to a moderate level within the probationary period (up to 12 months) and annually thereafter.
For more information read the full Role Description: Field Officer 3-4
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
North Coast Branch Overview
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, 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.
Applications close Sunday 26th April 2026 at 11:55pm
Should you require further information about the role please contact Greg Sunderland via greg.sunderland@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6641 1555
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 Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 548525).
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
