- Team Leader Field Operations
- Temporary full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity until 31 December 2026, possibility of ongoing employment
- Office location – Port Macquarie
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $ 134,643 to $148,372 + employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
If you’re a hands-on leader who can navigate complexity, build strong teams and deliver results, we want to hear from you.
National Parks and Wildlife Service has a unique opportunity for a Team Leader Field Operations to work as part of the team and contribute towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage.
The Hastings Macleay Area manages 56 reserves covering 167,194 hectares in the Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey local government areas. The area contains significant natural and cultural values across stunning coastal, hinterland and escarpment reserves, wilderness and world heritage. The area manages several high visitation coastal campgrounds and diverse visitor experiences e.g. Trial Bay Gaol, Sea Acres National Park, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, and the historic Roto House and Lake Innes Ruins.
About the role
As Team Leader Field Operations, you will be responsible for leading the planning, coordination and delivery of maintenance programs, capital works and environmental projects across the area. You will ensure works are completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality, environmental and budget standards while meeting operational priorities and deadlines.
Working across a varied landscape, you will provide leadership to a skilled team of field staff across two workplaces and oversee the implementation of work programs, resource allocation, contractor management and expenditure monitoring. You will also play a key role in reporting on project outcomes and ensuring compliance with organisational and legislative requirements.
As a valued member of the local management team, you will work closely with the Area Manager and Team Leader Ranger to deliver strategic priorities, maintain essential park infrastructure and support conservation and visitor experience outcomes. Through strong leadership, mentoring and a commitment to a positive team culture, you will empower your staff to achieve high-quality results across the Area.
This role plays a critical part in maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure and assets that support both conservation and visitor experiences across the Hastings Macleay Area. You will lead the delivery of programs that improve roads, walking tracks, visitor facilities and other essential park assets, while supporting broader outcomes in environmental conservation, fire management and community engagement.
Your leadership will have a direct impact on team performance and culture, operational preparedness, the quality of visitor experiences and the protection of the area's significant natural and cultural heritage values. Through your ability to deliver priorities, build capability and lead by example, you will help ensure the ongoing success of NPWS operations across the Area.
About You
We’re seeking a capable and adaptable leader who enjoys balancing strategic planning with hands-on operational delivery. You'll be someone who can manage competing priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, and motivate teams to achieve results in a dynamic and often unpredictable environment.
We're looking for a leader with a proven ability to build high-performing teams and foster a positive workplace culture, someone who can motivate staff, develop capability and bring out the best in others. You will have a strong operational background, with experience in construction, maintenance, asset management or other field-based environments, and a sound understanding of delivering work programs safely and efficiently. Experience managing contractors and service providers is essential, along with the ability—or willingness to develop the capability—to lead incident response and fire management operations. Success in this role will also require strong planning, coordination and project delivery skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, respond to changing operational demands and deliver results within tight timeframes.
Essential requirements
- Project management skills and experience and the ability to effectively lead teams to ensure high staff performance and standards
- Demonstrated ability to work with professional and field-based staff to develop, implement and monitor programs across a broad geographic area
- Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise competing demands that involve the planning, management and completion of works programs and construction of park/recreational facilities including capital works programs.
- Demonstrated ability to perform a fire leadership role and incident control functions or willingness to undertake appropriate training to achieve required capability.
- Current Senior First Aid Certificate and driver’s licence including four-wheel driving certificate.
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 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, if relevant.
The role holder must obtain certification at the appropriate level prior to undertaking firefighting/incident control duties.
For more information read the full Role Description: Role Description - Team Leader Field Operations
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
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 and cover letter (no more than 2 pages please) 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 Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11:55pm
Should you require further information about the role please contact Hiring Manager via
[email protected] or on 0418 454 591.
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 Ronda Swaysland on 0400 288 239 (please mention reference number 55214.
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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