• Field Officer 1-2
• Casual opportunity
• Based in Byron Bay
• Casual rates apply, depending on experience ($32.23 - $35.38 per hour) plus employer's contribution to superannuation and casual loading.

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

About the role

National Parks and Wildlife Service has a unique opportunity for a Field Officer 1-2 to work as part of the team and contribute towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage. 

As a Field Officer 1-2 with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), you’ll play a hands-on role in caring for and maintaining some of NSW’s most important natural and cultural landscapes. Working outdoors as part of a small team, you’ll contribute to the construction, maintenance and repair of park assets while helping protect biodiversity, heritage sites and visitor facilities.

This is a physically active and varied role that suits people who enjoy practical work, problem-solving, and spending time outdoors. You’ll be involved in land management activities, visitor support, and emergency response, helping ensure parks are safe, welcoming and well maintained for the community.

Key duties include

• Maintaining and improving park assets such as visitor facilities, tracks, roads, fire trails, campgrounds and heritage buildings
• Assisting with the construction of new infrastructure including walking tracks, management trails and visitor amenities
• Undertaking pest, weed and fire management activities, including work in remote areas
• Operating and maintaining plant, tools and vehicles such as chainsaws, 4WDs, ATVs and machinery
• Supporting firefighting, emergency incidents, visitor safety and search and rescue activities (subject to training)
• Providing information and assistance to park visitors and working with local communities and stakeholders

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 practical, motivated people who enjoy working outdoors and want to make a real contribution to the protection and care of NSW’s national parks.

The ideal candidate will:

• Enjoy hands-on, physical work in outdoor and sometimes remote environments
• Be willing to learn and follow safe work practices
• Work well as part of a team and take direction when required
• Have a positive attitude and take pride in maintaining public spaces
• Be comfortable engaging with park visitors and working with local communities
• Be reliable, adaptable and able to work with minimal supervision at times

Essential requirements 

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent, and ability to drive 4wd vehicles.
• Ability to obtain and use MR Licence where appropriate.
• 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 (non-coxswain), lifting apparatus and minor 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 or 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 crew member 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 NPWS Grade 1-2 RD

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 Monday 11 May at 11:55pm.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Kyle Spiteri via Kyle.Spiteri@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0477 677 159

A recruitment pool may be created for casual 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? 

• 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 process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.npw.gov.au or contacting Ronda Swaysland on 0400 288 239 (please mention reference number 548734).  

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. 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.