We’re seeking a committed OO5 Ranger to join our team of eight in Cooktown. Together, we deliver field operations across the southern Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) national parks. These parks are jointly managed by Aboriginal Corporations, Land Trusts, and the Queensland Government under formal Indigenous Management Agreements (IMAs).

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Ranger-in-Charge to provide strong leadership and guidance. Your key responsibilities will include:
• Coordinating and driving the delivery of annual work programs.
• Overseeing Park infrastructure maintenance and the implementation of capital works.
• Monitoring the operational budget and ensuring accurate tracking.
• Supervising staff, fostering a positive and respectful team environment.
• Managing reporting and administrative tasks with attention to detail.

Job details

To succeed in this position, you'll need excellent leadership, communication, and people management skills, as well as strong cultural capability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments.

Key focus areas of this role include the planning and delivery of fire management operations, invasive species control (weeds and pest animals), visitor and compliance patrols, and support across high-use recreation areas. You will work in close partnership with First Nation ranger groups to implement projects that support both cultural heritage protection and conservation outcomes. Your ability to lead others, build effective teams, and influence delivery through collaboration will be essential to your success in this role.

A strong focus on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) is critical, particularly as ranger teams often operate in small groups in remote and isolated environments. You must be capable of applying WHS systems and practices to ensure the safety of yourself and others during extended field patrols, including emergency planning and remote risk assessment.

The position also requires you to support and, when needed, participate in operations involving aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft used for fire, pest, and surveillance activities. Familiarity with aviation safety principles or a willingness to learn them is essential.

Well-developed project management skills are required to help the Ranger-in- Charge plan, resource, and execute work projects in a timely and coordinated manner, often involving external contractors and partner ranger groups.

During the dry season, the park workload increases significantly, including prescribed burning, wildfire response, weed and pest programs, water infrastructure management, capital works delivery, cultural and ecological surveys, fencing, compliance, and visitor engagement. Flexibility, initiative, and resilience are essential in this dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

If you're ready to contribute to conservation efforts and thrive in a meaningful, collaborative role, apply now and help make a difference in one of Queensland's most unique landscapes.

Applications will 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.

• Cooktown - Working in Guide (PDF, 248KB)
  
  
  Cooktown - Location Guide (PDF, 356KB)
  
  
  653137 25 Role Description (Word, 349KB)
  Role Description