Senior Ranger Headquarters District

Parks Australia Division

Be part of a passionate team of land management professionals who, together with Traditional Owners, are responsible for the conservation and management of both the natural and cultural values of the jointly managed World Heritage National Park Kakadu, in accordance with the Lease Agreement, Management Plan and the EPBC Act 1999.

Affirmative measure employment

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Kakadu National Park is a world‑heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.

The job

Under limited supervision, at the direction of the Chief Ranger and in accordance with the Lease Agreement, Management Plan and the EPBC Act 1999 the duties of the role include, but are not limited to:

- support and participate in a range of activities within the Kakadu National Park including assisting in the supervision of National Park Rangers, APS employees and contractors performing work within the park ranger functions

- assist with day‑to‑day work activity planning, project delivery, and reporting

- participation in compliance and enforcement activities

- coordinating reporting and repairs and maintenance of park assets and infrastructure

- participation in monitoring and management of threatened and invasive species programmes to assist with the development of survey methodology with Parks Science team

- assist with fire management activities inclusive of prescribed burns and suppression of wildfires

- assist in the effective management of natural and cultural resource management programmes

- share Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park and encourage, facilitate and participate in the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous staff, the community and public

- participation in incident response operations such as search and rescue and emergency response

APS 4 – $77,728 – $84,619 per annum plus superannuation. Parks Australia Division – Kakadu National Park.

Note, the role is based in a regional/remote location and may require travel across multiple sites. Some work outside standard business hours may be required to respond to operational priorities. The position involves both office‑based administration and field‑based inspections/coordination. Must comply with organisational policies, WHS requirements and cultural heritage protection protocols when working in protected areas.

What you’ll gain from the experience

- An opportunity to work in Kakadu National Park and contribute to the joint management of a World Heritage National Park as a member of the District Operations team.

- Field‑based ecological and land management skills – Hands‑on experience in monitoring threatened and invasive species, conducting flora and fauna surveys, and participating in fire management and incident response operations.

- Cross‑cultural collaboration and knowledge sharing – Active involvement in integrating Traditional Owner perspectives into park management, fostering respectful collaboration between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous stakeholders.

What we are looking for

- An awareness of issues affecting First Nations people in remote locations specifically Bininj/Mungguy people and the ability to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of the park as well as developing and supporting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and consideration of values and culture.

- Field experience in the practical aspects of protected area management programmes with an emphasis on fire, feral animal and weed species management.

- Ability or demonstrated experience in the supervision and support of a ranger team in a remote, cross‑cultural workplace.

- Sound verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to contribute to the development and delivery of interpretation and education programmes and presentations.

- Understanding of relevant policies, procedures and practices required to perform risk, compliance and enforcement tasks to monitor, educate or take action on non‑conformance to the EPBC Act 1999, regulations and other legislative requirements.

- Sound understanding of the practical and procedural knowledge across a range of natural and cultural management programmes/projects being conducted in the National Park including flora and fauna practices, feral animal and invasive weed management, management activities for rare or threatened species, protection of natural and cultural heritage sites including important rock art and sacred sites, activities for traditional fire management, assisting in survey and data collection and scientific experiments.

- Contribute and support the identification of emerging issues or risks in the work activities of Kakadu National Park Rangers; analysing the issues, undertaking risk management activities and selecting the appropriate course of action to correct, prevent and minimise identified risks.

Desirable qualifications

- Statement of Attainment as a Compliance Ranger under the EPBC Act 1999.

- Coxswains certificate.

- Employee Firearms licence.

Additional requirements

- Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.

- Hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.

- Meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed.

- Shift work is a requirement when applying to this position.

- Complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role such as remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses.

- Work in difficult, remote and harsh environments, possibly for extended periods, under limited supervision or in teams.

- Participate in the Park’s Duty Officer Roster involving after‑hours monitoring of emergency alarms and phones.

- Maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check.

- Wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations, in accordance with the department’s uniform policy.

Citizenship

To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Pre‑employment checks

Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre‑employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and, where required, a pre‑employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.

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