Field Officer - TAFE Students Preferred null

Job Details

• Field Officer Grade 3/4
• Package includes salary $65,552 - $69,813, employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays
• Ongoing full-time role
• Located in Bourke for two years with regular travel to Thurloo Downs and surrounding Reserves. Will transfer to be based at Thurloo Downs after 2 years. 
• The successful candidate may be eligible for additional financial support on top of their salary package. This may include a remote area allowance and additional subsidies such as relocation support.

About Thurloo Downs

Thurloo Downs in the state's far north-west has recently been acquired by the NSW Government for addition to the national parks estate.  At 437,394 hectares – almost twice the size of the Australian Capital Territory – it is the largest acquisition of private land for national parks in NSW history.  It will become the third-largest national park in New South Wales.  The property contains exceptional biodiversity values, filling important gaps in the national park estate and protecting landscapes and ecosystems not found in any other national park. 

Located between Bourke and Tibooburra and boasting spectacular scenery, the property will become a must-see destination in a network of national parks in far western New South Wales. Thurloo will transition to a national park over the next 2 years as the pastoral operation winds down.  During this period, we will deliver targeted feral animal and weed control, undertake ecological and cultural heritage surveys, and plan visitor infrastructure.  The park will open to visitors from 2025–26.  Want to be a part of this history-making?

About the role

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is inviting adventurous and nature-loving individuals to help establish the third largest national park in NSW for Thurloo Downs.  We are seeking a Field Officer to join the team to play a key role in the conservation of this natural environment, flora, fauna, and Aboriginal heritage.  Initially, this role will be based in Bourke and requires regular travel to work in Thurloo Downs and surrounding Reserves.  After the two-year transition period, the role will be based at Thurloo Downs.

Field Officers assist with a diverse range of activities relating to the 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 will operate and maintain plant and equipment, participate in fire management activities, respond to visitor enquiries, and assist with compliance activities as required.

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 be a strong decision-maker with the ability to lead operations at times and solve problems in the field. 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 and dynamic role.

Essential requirements

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and four-wheel driving certification. An MR licence is required to progress to Grade 4.
• 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 the 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.

To view the Role Description: Field Officer 3/4 - For Download

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 well-being programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

How to apply

Click the "Apply on Employer Site" button.

Apply by answering all pre-screening questions, and submit a current resume and a one-page cover letter that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the role.

DPE strongly recommends all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, be so.

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. DPE supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

For more information about the role or future job opportunities in this region, please contact Andrew Heighway, Team Leader Field Operations, Northern Inland Branch, NPWS on 0407 570 941 or andrew.heighway@environment.nsw.gov.au

Applications close:  Wednesday 16th August 2023 at 11.55 pm

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

Our Diversity team can assist to:

• provide alternative formats to apply
• make adjustments to the recruitment process
• offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out the website to see the work we do and for assistance in applying for a role. Contact our Aboriginal People & Culture team at DPIEAPC@dpie.nsw.gov.au if you need further information or assistance.

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