- Senior Field Officer (Grade 1-
- Temporary Full-time 29 September 2026 to 30 April 2027
- Located in Khancoban
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $82,685 to $87,585 + employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
About the role
National Parks and Wildlife Service has a unique opportunity for a Senior Field Officer to join the Hawkweed Management Team and contribute towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora and fauna.
Orange and mouse-ear hawkweed are highly invasive weeds listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 due to the extreme risk they pose to some of our most diverse alpine and sub-alpine environments. Both species are found in Kosciuszko National Park, threatening ecological communities including Windswept Feldmark, Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland and broad-toothed rat habitat. The Hawkweed Program is responsible for delivering comprehensive surveillance and control activities with the aim of eradicating both weeds. If successful, it will mark the first recorded eradication of a weed in NSW.
So, what will you be doing as a Hawkweed Senior Field Officer working in some of the most spectacular parts of Kosciuszko National Park? You will:
- Provide support, guidance and direction to Hawkweed Field Officers when working in the field
- Assist the Senior Field Supervisor with planning, delegation, reporting and delivery of program goals.
In addition, you will:
- Perform on the ground line surveillance work to find and ID orange and mouse-ear hawkweed in remote locations
- Hike and navigate through a variety of terrain to meet program goals – we can be walking up to 10km a day
- Control hawkweed plants through the application of herbicides using multiple application techniques
- Collect, record and keep surveillance, treatment and other program data using various tech like smartphones and handheld GPS devices
- Work regularly in and around helicopters to access remote sites and move equipment
- Participate in multi-day campouts at remote sites in Kosciuszko National Park to more efficiently complete needed surveillance
- Collaborate with a variety of different internal NPWS stakeholders and external agencies who support the eradication program.
There is regular travel between our key hubs of Khancoban and Jindabyne.
Being a seasonal position, there will be no fire-fighting responsibilities in this role.
You can read more about the Hawkweed Eradication here, or see more about what we do here. More useful links include:
- NPWS Snowy Mountains Region
About You
With a keen interest in working outdoors, you will be able to speak to previous experience providing team leadership, mentoring or guidance. You will have a track record of capturing data and providing basic reports to meet deadlines or specific targets. Safety conscious, you will bring confident decision-making skills, reflective of working in a diverse and dynamic environment.
While certifications listed below are beneficial, they aren’t necessary – we can help with training if needed or required through the season:
- Current First Aid Certificate
- AQF3 Chemical Handling
- 4WD and Vehicle Recovery
- Working Safely Around Aircraft (WSAA)
- Chainsaw Trim and Crosscut
- Medium Rigid (MR) License
Essential Requirements
- Ability to work with the Agency’s statutory obligations as they apply to conservation of natural, Aboriginal and cultural heritage and resources, and willingness to exercise delegated authority for law enforcement.
- Demonstrated experience in the maintenance/construction of general facilities and grounds. Ability to supervise and carry out all duties safely in accordance with OH&S requirements.
- Relevant WorkCover Certification, ability and experience for the appropriate operation and maintenance of machinery, plant and equipment for maintenance and construction work.
- Ability to implement planned field and operational activities (including pest animal and plant control); and demonstrated skills and experience in fire management.
- Demonstrated administrative and organisation skills and capacity for working with various software programs, including ability to use the Agency’s financial and asset management systems.
- Current MR Drivers Licence and ability to drive 4WD vehicles, Senior First Aid Certificate, and demonstrated ability and experience in operating MR vehicles, and willingness to fly in light aircraft.
- Certification and demonstrated ability and experience in operating chainsaw to at least cross-cut level, and ability to operate and supervise in radio usage.
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. Hawkweed Senior Field Officer applicants must meet the requirements of a general medical.
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Field Officer and Hawkweed Senior Field Officer Grade 1 Year 1- Statement of Works
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.
- 17% salary loading in recognition of working some weekend and public holidays
- Regular rostered days off enabling work-life balance (so you can enjoy the Snowy Mountains in Summer!)
- Develop valuable skills and experiences that can lead to future opportunities in NPWS
- Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
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 do
About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
About the NSW Hawkweed Eradication Program
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Please include a copy of your resume and short cover letter (1 page) highlighting your key experience (formal or informal), knowledge or other skills that would allow you to be successful in the role.
Applications close: Sunday, 2 August 2026 at 11.55pm.
NOTE: Interviews are expected to be held the week commencing 10 August 2026.
Have questions or would like more information about the role? Please contact Emma Chapman-Davies, Senior Project Officer Hawkweed Management via
[email protected] or on 0438 814 473.
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.
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
[email protected] or contacting Vithiya Yogarajah 02 9995 5011 (please mention reference number 55139.
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
[email protected] for a yarn.
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