Job Description

Help support Aboriginal communities to achieve their aspirations and work to protect the state’s environment and Aboriginal heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified Opportunity – Trainee Ranger x 2
• Temporary (to 30 June 2029) full-time opportunities available
• Located in Narooma
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $69K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays & employers contribution to superannuation.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

Looking to build a career caring for Country?

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has an exciting opportunity for two Trainee Rangers (Aboriginal Identified) to join the team in Narooma, working on Yuin Country, including Biamanga National Park and Gulaga National Park

Biamanga and Gulaga Mountains are places of great cultural significance; Biamanga is recognised as an important men’s cultural place and Gulaga as an important women’s cultural place.

This is a unique opportunity to combine paid work and study, gaining hands-on experience in conservation, cultural heritage management, bushfire operations, visitor services and environmental projects while completing a Graduate Diploma of Land and Sea Country Management

About the role
As a Trainee Ranger, you'll work alongside experienced Rangers and learn how NPWS protects and manages natural, historic and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Your work will include:

• Conservation and land management projects
• Bushfire and field-based operations
• Visitor and community engagement
• Environmental planning, assessments and monitoring
• Protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage sites

No two days are the same, making this the perfect role for someone who enjoys being outdoors, learning new skills and working as part of a supportive team.

Want to know more about what our Rangers do? Check out the NPWS website for more!

About the traineeship

• The traineeship combines practical, on-the-job learning with university study.
• University course fees and related study expenses are covered as part of the program.
• Dedicated study time is provided during work hours throughout university semesters.

To be considered for the traineeship, you’ll need to meet Deakin University’s entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Land and Sea Country Management. This includes having at least 12 months lived experience, which may include relevant work, community or cultural experience. If you’re unsure whether you meet this requirement, we encourage you to get in touch before applying.

On successful completion of the traineeship, including all mandatory work requirements and university study, trainees may progress into a full-time, ongoing Ranger role.

About you
This could be a great opportunity if you’re:

• Passionate about Country, conservation and the environment
• Keen to learn and complete tertiary studies
• A strong team player who enjoys working outdoors
• Adaptable, motivated and happy in a physically active role
• A current driver's licence holder

If you’re ready to build a rewarding career, strengthen your connection to Country and make a real contribution to conservation, we’d love to hear from you. Be part of something deadly at NPWS!

Applicants from the Yuin Nation are strongly encouraged to apply.

We’re hosting a couple of 45-minute information session on Wednesday 2 September (at 12.30pm and 4pm) — you can join us in person (at Narooma NPWS office) or online. Come along for a yarn, ask questions and find out more about the role. To register your interest and get the details on how to attend, please email npws.eurobodalla@environment.nsw.gov.au

Essential requirements:

• This is an identified position under Section 14 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and accepted in the community as such. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-discrimination Act (1997). You will need to confirm in your written application that you are Aboriginal and therefore qualify for this position.
• Current Driver’s Licence and ability to operate four-wheel-drive vehicles.

This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are eager to learn and develop the skills and qualifications needed to contribute toward improving and maintaining some of NSW’s most precious natural places.

Applicants must meet the requirements of a specific medical assessment which is inclusive of a clearance to undertake the fitness test for firefighting fitness roles (i.e. moderate level Task-Based Assessment for Firefighters) within the 12-month probationary period.

The role holder must obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.

For more information read the full and for information about joining the mob working for Country visit the NPWS website You can also use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles, watch these video guides for tips on your resume, interview and every step of the application process, and also contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.

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.

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

What we do
About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Visit a park
South Coast Branch Overview

To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter 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.

Applications close Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Maggie Sutcliffe via magnolia.sutcliffe@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0477 373 305.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

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.nsw.gov.au or contacting Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 551489).