Step into a leadership role where rainforest meets reef! As Ranger in Charge – Daintree South, you’ll lead a passionate team caring for one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth—from the Mowbray River to Mt Windsor National Park. Drive real conservation outcomes across Daintree, Mt Lewis, Mt Spurgeon and beyond.
You’ll mentor rangers, deliver vital fire, pest, estate, and visitor programs, and work closely with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Owners to support joint management of Country. If you're a natural leader who thrives outdoors and wants to protect, connect, and inspire—this is your next big move.

Job details

Ranger in Charge - Daintree South
Location: Mossman, Queensland | Permanent: Full-Time | Classification: OO6
Department: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P)
Lead with purpose in Queensland's legendary Daintree rainforest.
Imagine leading a team in one of the most breathtaking and ecologically rich landscapes on Earth. As Ranger in Charge - Daintree South, you'll guide frontline operations in a region where ancient rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef—home to rare wildlife, cultural heritage, and World Heritage-listed national parks.
We're seeking a passionate and experienced ranger leader to take the helm in this dynamic role, overseeing conservation, visitor experience, and joint management in the heart of Kuku Yalanji Country.
Protect, manage, and inspire.
As a Ranger in Charge, you'll do more than manage a team—you'll shape the direction and delivery of the Daintree South operational program. Your area of responsibility stretches from the Mowbray River in the south, north to the Daintree River, and west into the wild and rugged Mt Windsor National Park. This diverse landscape includes Daintree, Mowbray, Mt Lewis, Mt Spurgeon, and Mt Windsor National Parks, as well as key sections of unallocated state land (USL).
You'll lead a skilled team of rangers to deliver on-ground outcomes across five key focus areas:
• Pest Management
• Fire Management
• Estate Management
• Visitor Management
• Assets and Safety
Every day is different. You could be coordinating a hazard reduction burn, responding to a weather event, supporting infrastructure upgrades, mentoring your team, or walking Country with Traditional Owners. The work is hands-on, diverse, and deeply rewarding.
Partnerships that matter.
A core focus of this role is building strong and respectful relationships with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) and local Traditional Owners. You'll work closely together to deliver joint management objectives that support cultural heritage, build community capability, and care for Country.
This position offers a unique opportunity to support Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bama in managing their traditional lands, creating shared outcomes for both culture and conservation.
Who we're looking for:
We want a confident leader who thrives outdoors and leads by example. You'll bring experience in land, visitor, and resource management—plus the ability to mentor, organise, and inspire your team. You'll be strategic, practical, culturally aware, and ready for the challenge of working in a remote, iconic region.
You'll bring:
• A strong background in park operations or natural resource management
• Demonstrated leadership experience in field-based roles
• A deep understanding of fire, pest, estate and visitor management practices
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships—especially with First Nations organisations
• Excellent planning, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Resilience, initiative, and a love for wild places
Why you'll love this role:
• Make a real difference in one of the world's most important natural and cultural landscapes
• Lead meaningful work that connects conservation, culture, and community
• Live and work in one of Queensland's most spectacular regions
• Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven ranger network with statewide impact
• Every day is active, outdoors, and full of purpose

If you're ready to lead in one of Queensland's most rewarding ranger roles—this is your moment. Bring your leadership, passion, and field expertise to the frontline of conservation, and help shape the future of the Daintree and beyond. 

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.

• Daintree - Mossman - Cape Tribulation - Location Guide (PDF, 309KB)
  
  
  Daintree - Mossman - Cape Tribulation - Working in Guide (PDF, 221KB)
  
  
  648825 25 Role Description (Word, 331KB)