Ranger - TAFE Students Preferred null

We are establishing the third-largest national park in NSW and have multiple roles available. These roles will be based in Bourke for the first two years, before transferring to Thurloo Downs. 

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

This is the ideal role if you have a genuine interest in contributing to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage values of parks.  You’ll be based in Bourke and the role will involve regular travel to Thurloo Downs and surrounding Reserves.  As a Ranger, you will provide effective management of natural, historic, and Aboriginal heritage by undertaking, coordinating, and supervising projects, environmental assessments, visitor and stakeholder liaison, and field-based activities including burn planning/wildfire management and law enforcement.  You'll love the diversity, flexibility, and autonomy of this role. Your strong communication skills will assist you in tackling evolving priorities across various estates. Outdoor duties such as pest, weed, and fire management, consulting, and coordination will balance indoor work like assisting with compiling reports and submissions.

You'll form invaluable professional relationships with Traditional Owners, various commonwealth and state agencies, and stakeholders. You'll also create a positive, safe, diverse, and inclusive culture. Together, we achieve more. Our visitors come from all walks of life, and so do we. Our teams bring their full self to the job every day, helping drive innovation for us.

About You

Your skills and knowledge of natural land management strategies will help build your success in this role. You'll be a strong decision-maker with the ability to think on your feet, you have a genuine interest in teamwork, collaboration, and supporting the growth of others. Your fitness and enthusiasm will enable you to thrive and succeed in this diverse, fast-paced role.

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.

Essential requirements

• A degree or equivalent relevant to the field operations of the Agency.
• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Required to obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
• Willingness to fly in light aircraft and preparedness and ability to be involved in incident management duties including firefighting.

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 some of NSW’s most precious natural places. Applicants must meet the requirements of a specific medical assessment which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake the fitness test for firefighting fitness roles (i.e. moderate level Task-Based Assessment for Firefighters) within the 12-month probationary period, if relevant.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Ranger - For Download