Ranger - Coonabarabran

Looking for a role where no two days are the same and the work you do genuinely matters? 

If you’re someone who can think on your feet, communicate confidently, stay calm when situations get difficult and wants to do work that has a real impact on your community, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. 

About the Role

Join our team as a Ranger and you will play a vital frontline role in protecting community safety, supporting responsible animal ownership and helping people understand and meet their responsibilities. Companion animal management is the key focus of the role, alongside responding to straying livestock, overgrown blocks, illegal dumping and other public safety and compliance matters. You’ll be out in the community representing Council and helping achieve better outcomes through a combination of education, communication, investigation and enforcement.

You’ll investigate complaints, conduct inspections, provide education and advice, issue notices where required, maintain accurate records and prepare statements or evidence for legal proceedings. Importantly, this isn’t simply about issuing notices or enforcing rules - you’ll need to understand why the rules exist, interpret the relevant legislation and apply it fairly, consistently and professionally. Strong literacy, attention to detail, sound judgement and confident communication are essential, as is the ability to have difficult conversations and manage conflict respectfully. Experience handling livestock and confidently operating a 4WD will also be highly regarded.

This can be a challenging role, so resilience is crucial. You may deal with people who are frustrated or distressed, attend confronting animal incidents or respond to emergencies outside normal hours. You’ll need to stay calm, professional and focused on achieving the best possible outcome. You won’t be doing it alone - you’ll join a resilient, supportive and helpful team that backs each other through the tough situations and works together to support our community. We’re looking for someone who brings that same attitude - someone who enjoys being part of a team, is willing to help others and understands that great community outcomes are a shared responsibility.

Previous Ranger or regulatory experience will be highly regarded, but you don’t need to have done exactly this job before. We’re looking for someone with the right skills, attitude and commitment to keep learning and develop professionally, with experience in regulatory work, investigations, animal management, livestock, compliance or customer service highly desirable. The role requires completion of relevant training and qualifications, and Council can support you to undertake these. A current NSW Class C Driver Licence and willingness to participate in the essential on-call roster are required.

Next Steps

If you’re proactive, people-focused, detail-oriented and ready for a career with purpose, variety and real community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

A position description is attached.