- Field Officer (Grade 3-4)
- Ongoing full-time 35 hours per week opportunity
- Office location - Blackheath
- 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
National Parks and Wildlife Service has a unique opportunity for a Field Officer (Grade 3-4) to work as part of the team and contribute towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage.
A typical day will include a diverse range of activities relating to maintenance and improvement to park assets within NPWS parks and reserves. You will be guided by the senior field staff, in your day-to-day work including pest and weed control, routine maintenance, construction and installation of new assets and conservation works. You’ll operate and maintain plant and equipment, participate in fire management activities, respond to visitor enquiries and assist with compliance activities as required. This role will help you develop skills in managing natural and cultural heritage. Much of this is learnt in the field, but experience in these skills is desirable. If you enjoy working hands-on in the outdoors to enhance and preserve the natural and cultural heritage values of national parks, this could be the role for you!
In this role, you’ll undertake a wide range of outdoor and practical duties, including maintaining visitor facilities, park infrastructure, roads and trails, heritage buildings and assets, carrying out pest, weed and fire management activities, and supporting conservation and restoration programs. You’ll also operate and maintain vehicles, tools and plant equipment, work safely in remote locations, and support visitor safety by responding to enquiries and incidents when required.
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
Your passion for your community and environment, coupled with a strong attention to detail and safety will be key to your success in this role. You’ll enjoy working as part of a team but be able to work alone or with minimal supervision. Your fitness and enthusiasm will enable you to thrive and succeed in this diverse role.
The ideal candidate will:
- Enjoy hands‑on, physical work in outdoor and sometimes remote environments
- Have experience, or a willingness to learn, in maintaining facilities, tracks, roads and other assets
- Have building and construction experience and an interest in maintaining heritage buildings.
- Be comfortable operating vehicles, tools and equipment, always following safety procedures
- Be willing to participate in fire management and emergency response activities (training provided)
- Take pride in providing a safe and welcoming experience for park visitors
- Show respect for the natural environment, cultural heritage and Aboriginal Country
- Be reliable, adaptable and able to work with minimal supervision when required
This role suits people who value teamwork, enjoy variety in their day‑to‑day work, and want to build skills while making a real contribution to conservation and community outcomes.
Essential requirements - As detailed in the Role Description
- 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 NPWS FO Grade 3-4 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
Blue Mountains 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 (no more than 2 pages in length please) 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 Thursday 9 July 2026 at 11:55pm.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Hiring Manager Nigel Holland via Nigel.Holland@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0472822130.
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.nsw.gov.au or contacting Ronda Swaysland on 0400 288 239 (please mention reference number 551011).
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
