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Northern Parks & Forests Regional Operations, Management & Operations, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships, Cape York - Iron Range (Lockhart River)
Ranger (OO4) – Kutini Payamu National Park (CYPAL), Iron Range
Ready for a career adventure in one of Queensland’s wildest and most culturally rich landscapes?
Based near Lockhart River, this role places you in the heart of Kutini Payamu (Iron Range), where rainforest meets reef.
Join a passionate team protecting iconic wildlife and Country, working side-by-side with Traditional Owners through joint management.
You'll help lead vital programs—fire, pest, and weed control, visitor compliance, infrastructure, and more.
No two days are the same.
We're looking for a strong communicator and team leader who thrives outdoors, adapts quickly, and respects culture.
On-site accommodation provided.
Step up, make a difference, and help shape the future of Queensland’s protected areas.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Primary Industry & Environment |
| Classification | OO4 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region,Far North Qld |
| Job ad reference | QLD/645740/25 |
| Closing date | 21-Jul-2025 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Leonn Mulkearns |
| Contact details | Mobile: 0439 569 853 Access the National Relay Service |
Ranger (OO4) – Kutini-Payamu National Park (CYPAL), Iron Range
Based near Lockhart River, Cape York Peninsula
On-site accommodation provided
Protect nature, preserve culture, lead with purpose
Ready for a career that's far from ordinary?
Imagine waking up surrounded by ancient rainforest, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Traditional Owners, and making a real impact on one of Queensland's most spectacular and significant national parks. This is more than just a job—it's a calling.
We're looking for a driven, adaptable, and culturally aware OO4 Ranger to join the frontline at Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (CYPAL)—a remote and breathtakingly diverse park on Queensland's Cape York Peninsula.
This role offers you the opportunity to lead on-ground conservation, cultural heritage protection, and visitor management in one of Australia's most ecologically and culturally important
landscapes.
About the Park
Kutini-Payamu (CYPAL) is no ordinary park. It's a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like the palm cockatoo, green python, and cuscus—and it's steeped in Aboriginal culture and history. Under the Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) model, this park is jointly managed with Traditional Owners, making cultural respect and partnership central to everything we do.
You'll be living and working on Country, surrounded by rainforest, wetlands, and coastline. If you crave purpose, connection, and challenge—this is your kind of place.
About the Role
As an OO4 Ranger, you'll be the right hand to the Ranger in Charge, helping lead and inspire a committed team of rangers and Indigenous partners. You'll have your boots on the ground and your head in the game—delivering land management programs that protect ecosystems, cultural values, and visitor experiences.
Your work will span:
• Fire Management – Plan and implement controlled burns that safeguard biodiversity and cultural sites
• Weed and Pest Control – Target invasive species that threaten native habitats
• Visitor Management & Compliance – Patrol high-use areas, engage with visitors, and ensure park rules are followed
• Infrastructure & Maintenance – Maintain walking tracks, fencing, signage, and support capital works
• People & Culture – Build strong relationships with Traditional Owners and foster a positive, respectful team environment
• Reporting & Admin – Support budgeting, staff coordination, and contribute to departmental program planning
No two days are the same. One week you could be leading a fire crew; the next, coordinating weed control or supporting community engagement. This is a hands-on, boots-dirty leadership role in a challenging, beautiful environment.
What We Offer
• On-site accommodation at Kutini-Payamu base—live surrounded by nature
• Work with purpose in conservation and cultural heritage protection
• Deep connection to Country through true partnership with Traditional Owners
• Career growth through meaningful, field-based leadership
• Real impact on environmental outcomes and park visitor experiences
• Adventure & variety – no desk job here!
Apply Now - Be the Difference
If you're ready to trade traffic for trails, meetings for meaning, and make your mark in one of Queensland's most iconic protected areas, this is your opportunity.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
