Lead pest management and island biosecurity across the GBR&MP Region, protecting natural, cultural and visitor values on island National Parks, Commonwealth islands and forest estates.

As a Senior Ranger (Pests) you will link field operations with technical expertise while mentoring rangers in best-practice control. Depending on skills, the role may also serve as Regional Firearms Officer. Strong conservation knowledge, fitness, initiative and the ability to work remotely are essential.

Job details

Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks (GBR&MP) Region are excited to share an incredible opportunity for a AO5, Senior Ranger (Pests) to join the team on a permanent basis.

As one of the six regions of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the GBR&MP Region delivers conservation and management activities across land and sea 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.

This role leads pest management and island biosecurity programs across the GBR&MP Region to protect natural, cultural and visitor values. Working closely with operational rangers, it guides planning, delivers expert advice and ensures high-quality pest proposals and reporting. As a key member of the Fire and Pest Referral Group, the role links on-ground operations with technical expertise. It also drives VBMF value assessments, develops strategies with Traditional Owners and regional staff, and mentor's rangers to build best-practice skills in managing weeds and pest animals.

Role focus:
• Lead regional pest management and island biosecurity programs across GBR&MP protected areas, including strategy development, VBMF values assessments, and coordination of annual pest proposals and reporting.
• Provide expert guidance, mentoring and technical support to operational rangers, ensuring best-practice pest, weed and biosecurity management, and linking field operations with technical specialists.
• Build strong partnerships and stakeholder relationships with Traditional Owners, landholders, government agencies, industry, community groups and park users to support conservation outcomes.
• Oversee emergency response, compliance, incident management and recovery planning, ensuring staff capability, safety, training and effective operational delivery across remote and varied environments.
• Lead regional planning, resource allocation and infrastructure programs, contributing to recreational asset development, fire and wildlife management, capital works, and broader agency initiatives.

Travel statement: This position is a Flexible work location in the following areas - Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Rockhampton (Rosselyn Bay) or Gladstone but will require travel to other locations from time to time, including overnight stays and live-aboard vessels.

To be considered you must hold the following qualifications:
• an automatic/ unrestricted manual driver's licence.

Whilst not mandatory, a formal qualification in an environmental/ecology field would be highly regarded along with a current firearms license.

To apply:
Lodge an application online at www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au that consists of the following:
· Your current resume of no more than 2 pages, outlining your skills, experience, qualifications and personal qualities to demonstrate how they align with the requirements of the position.
· A short 1-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/672273/25

Closing Date:  Tuesday,16 December 2025

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.

• 672273 25 Role Description v1 (Word, 623KB)