Senior Field Officer - NPWS Talent Pool Process

 
Do you want a career where your work helps protect some of NSW's most iconic landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and visitor experiences? 
Join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and play a role in conserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations. 

• Talent pool recruitment for ongoing and temporary opportunities across North Coast NPWS workplaces
• Office & depot locations include Coffs Harbour, Bowraville, Dorrigo, Grafton, Port Macquarie, Alstonville, Kyogle, Kempsey, Murwillumbah, Toormina & Byron Bay
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $82K pa to $87K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays & employer's contribution to superannuation  

It's an exciting time to join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. As we continue to grow our workforce across the North Coast Branch, we’re establishing a talent pool for ongoing and temporary opportunities within NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service over the next 18 months. Successful applicants may be considered for roles across multiple locations and teams as vacancies arise based on your preferences nominated in your application.

About the Branch
North Coast Branch manages more than 634,000 hectares of diverse coastal and hinterland areas (comprising 220 protected areas) and is well known for its idyllic beaches and highly popular campgrounds. Each year, over 7 million people enjoy visiting our parks. The Branch comprises ten teams responsible for the management of these parks stretching from Tweed Byron in the North, Richmond River, Clarence, Coffs Coast and Hastings Macleay to the South.  These are supported by multiple Program Teams to assist with the delivery of Conservation, Fire, Visitor Experience, Assets, Projects, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Joint Management.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is building a talent pool for upcoming Senior Field Officer Grade 1–2 opportunities across the North Coast Branch region.

About the Role
In these hands-on leadership roles, you'll:

• Lead and supervise field teams, contractors and volunteers. 
• Coordinate maintenance and construction programs across parks and reserves.
• Support visitor facility, infrastructure and land management projects.
• Deliver pest plant and animal control programs.
• Undertake fire management activities and emergency response duties.
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and within agreed timeframes and budgets. 

About You
You bring leadership experience, strong safety awareness and a passion for practical, hands-on outdoor work. You also bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading outdoor work teams and coordinating field-based projects. 
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise competing work programs 
• Excellent communication skills to effectively work with colleagues, contractors, community members and stakeholders. 

Experience in conservation, land management, construction, maintenance, pest control, firefighting or related fields will be highly regarded.

Essential Requirements 

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent. 
• Ability to obtain Medium Rigid (MR) Licence and operate MR vehicles, if required. 
• Obtain a Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Recovery Certification (Statement of Attainment) within 6 months of commencement as arranged by NPWS with compliant providers. 
• Senior First Aid certificate obtained within 6 months of commencement. 
• Obtain General Construction Induction card (White Card) within 6 months from commencement.  
• Certification (Statement of Attainment) to operate a chainsaw to level 1 crosscut standard obtained within 12 months from commencement. 

• Applicants must meet the requirements of a firefighting medical during the recruitment process and 1-3 yearly thereafter, which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake frontline firefighting roles.
• Following commencement in a firefighting role, Field Officers must pass the task-based physical fitness assessment to a moderate level within their first 12 months of employment and annually thereafter.
• Ability to carry out frontline firefighting duties and support roles including ability to obtain and maintain NPWS certification as a crew member or higher, within the first 12 months of their employment. 

Successful candidates must meet the requirements of a pre-employment medical assessment during the recruitment process, including obtaining medical clearance to perform the duties associated with the role. 

Ready to take the next step in your conservation and field leadership career? Apply now to be considered for future opportunities with NPWS. 

For more information read the full Role Description.

Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy. DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations. DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry. We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport 
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training. 

North Coast Branch Overview

To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (max 4 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

NPWS' North Coast Branch recognises and respects the ongoing custodial responsibilities of Aboriginal peoples in caring for Country. We are committed to supporting Aboriginal employment, cultural knowledge and partnerships, and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for roles within our branch.

We are particularly focused on strengthening diversity in our frontline workforce. North Coast Branch actively supports women pursuing or progressing careers in operational roles, providing training, development and flexible working opportunities where possible. 

Applications close Sunday 6 September 2026 at 11:55pm

Talent pool assessment process: For this talent pool recruitment process, applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period. Suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date to attend an interview or complete one or more assessment tasks. This means the assessment process may begin while the role is still advertised, so we encourage you apply as early as possible.

For more information contact Matt Klower via matt.klower@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0477 677 314 / Craig Evans via Craig.Evans@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0419 629 862

INFORMATION SESSIONS
We are holding the following open information sessions as part of this recruitment process to provide an overview of:

• who NPWS is, the work we do and possible future opportunities
• what a talent pool is and how it may be used for future vacancies
• the types of roles being advertised (+ a short overview from a Ranger and Field Officer)
• fire fitness requirements
• how to apply + the opportunity to ask general questions.   

Coffs Harbour: Tuesday 11 August, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Cavanbah Centre – meeting rooms A+B (located at the rear of the complex and accessed from Harbour Drive)
191 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Nambucca Heads: Wednesday 12 August, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Nambucca Community & Arts Centre – Small Hall
21 Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads

Grafton: Thursday 13 August, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Grafton Anglican Church – Edwards Hall
63-71 Fitzroy Street, Grafton

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying? 

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.  

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.npws.gov.au or contacting Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 552138).  

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.