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Ranger - Vessel Master
Great Barrier Reef Marine Coastal & Islands Regional Operations; Management & Operations; Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships; Airlie Beach, Cairns, Townsville
Picture yourself navigating a vessel through vast waters of the Great Barrier Reef, waking to sunrise over remote islands and coral cays, anchoring at islands few rarely visit, work with researchers, Traditional Owners, rangers, and government partners to protect a the globally significant Great Barrer Reef World Heritage Area.
If that excites you, then the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) wants you!
We are seeking outstanding Vessel Masters to join our marine operations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This role is far from ordinary. You will be master and/or engineer of vessels up to 24 metres, operating across remote offshore reefs and islands. If you are someone who thrives on challenge, who owns your nautical skillset and wants to make a tangible difference in conservation while leading critical field operations — this is your opportunity!
Job details
| Position status | Permanent,Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Full-time |
| Occupational group | Primary Industry & Environment |
| Classification | OO5 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region,Townsville region,Mackay region,Rockhampton region |
| Job ad reference | QLD/662088/25 |
| Closing date | 13-Oct-2025 |
| Job duration | See Further Infomation below for more details |
| Contact person | Joel Hitchcock |
| Contact details | Ph: 0436 932 754 Access the National Relay Service |
Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks (GBR&MP) Region are excited to share an incredible opportunity for a Ranger (Vessel Master) to join the team.
As one of the six regions of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the GBR&MP Region delivers conservation and management activities on both islands and water including implementing the Reef Joint Field Management Program in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Additionally, the Region oversees the state's southern marine parks - Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Whether acting as Master or Engineer, your responsibilities will be crucial in supporting marine park compliance, environmental monitoring, research and emergency response activities across the reef. Your vessel crew may include park
rangers, Traditional Owners, scientists, government partners, and contractors — and your leadership will directly influence the success and safety of each voyage.
As a QPWS Ranger (Vessel Master), you'll be at the helm of a range of departmental vessels up to 24 metres in length, including:
• 17 m Patrol Catamaran - Tamoya II (Airlie Beach).
• 21 m High Speed Landing Barge - Island Guardian (Townsville).
• 24 m Long Range Patrol Catamarans - Reef Ranger (Cairns) & Reef and Resilience (Gladstone).
Vessel deployments are typically between 7-10 days however could extend as long as 12 days depending on operational requirements and area of operation. These positions will be involved in large vessel deployments at sea for up to an estimated total of 130 days annually and can occur anywhere within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and will be to remote offshore reefs and islands. Air travel in light aircraft or helicopters may be required at times.
Role focus:
• Operate as Master and/or Engineer on large departmental vessels (17-24m), ensuring safe and efficient operations during extended patrols across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Lead and coordinate vessel maintenance (routine and non-routine) across both large and small fleets (6-24m), including RHIBs and barges.
• Ensure full compliance with maritime legislation, safety protocols, and incident reporting requirements, while fostering a respectful and cohesive onboard environment.
• Mentor and support crew in safe vessel operations, assist with voyage planning, provisioning, and contribute to patrol logistics and training initiatives.
• Participate in environmental incident responses and assist with non-vessel conservation work on island protected areas, including coral bleaching events, vessel grounding, oil spills etc.
To be considered you must hold the following mandatory qualifications:
• AMSA Master <24m NC (Master Class V) Certificate of Competency.
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC (MED2) Certificate of Competency.
• current unrestricted manual driver's licence.
In addition, the following qualifications are highly desirable:
• A commercial or recreational dive qualification.
• Senior First Aid Certificate.
• Dogging / Riggers Licence.
• Wildfire Suppression and Prescribed Burning Level 1.
• Unrestricted Agricultural Chemical Distribution Certificate.
• Chainsaw operator's accreditation (Level 1 & 2).
• Department Law Enforcement (Level 1) accreditation.
• Experience on similar sized vessels (17-24m) is highly desirable along with experience in remote vessel operations.
To apply:
Lodge an application online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au that consists of the following:
• your current resume of no more than 4 pages.
• a short 2 page statement that briefly describes why you are the best suited person for this role.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/662088/25
Closing Date: Monday, 13 October 2025
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
There are four opportunities available.
1 x Permanent - Townsville
2 x Permanent - Airlie Beach
1 x Temporary until 01/01/2027 - Cairns
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.
