Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Ongoing full-time opportunity available
- Office location – Mt Keira- Byarong Depot
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $60K pa to $80K pa + 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays, and employer's contribution to superannuation
Protect Country. Care for Community. Build a Career Outdoors.
Do you have a strong connection to Country, enjoy working outdoors and want to help protect some of the Illawarra's most important natural and cultural places?
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 (197.
About the Role
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is looking for a Field Officer (Grade 1- to join the team based at Mount Keira in the Illawarra Highlands Area. This is a rewarding, hands-on role where you'll contribute to caring for Country while developing practical skills across a diverse range of park operations.
No two days are the same. Working alongside experienced field staff, you'll help maintain park infrastructure, deliver conservation and pest management programs, support visitors, participate in fire management activities, and assist in protecting the natural and cultural heritage values of our national parks.
What you'll be doing
- Helping to protect cultural heritage and strengthen connections to Country.
- Caring for and maintaining park assets such as walking tracks, visitor facilities, campgrounds, roads and other infrastructure.
- Supporting weed, feral animal and conservation programs that help protect Country.
- Operating and maintaining a range of vehicles, tools and equipment
- Participating in fire management programs and incident responses.
- Assisting Park visitors and contributing to positive visitor experiences.
About you
You're someone who enjoys physical outdoor work, values safety, and takes pride in looking after Country and community. You can work as part of a team, use initiative when working independently, and approach challenges with a practical, solutions-focused mindset.
Whether you're bringing existing experience or looking to build a career in conservation and land management, we'll support you to develop new skills and qualifications.
This is your opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a real difference. You'll contribute to the protection of natural and cultural heritage and be part of a team committed to caring for Country for future generations.
Bring your connection to Country, willingness to learn and passion for the outdoors. We'll help you grow the skills needed to thrive in this unique and rewarding role.
Want more information on joining the mob working for Country and how to apply for a job with us? Just go to the NPWS website for videos and more! You can also find more information on working as a Field Officer.
Key knowledge and experience
- Willingness to fly in light aircraft.
- Willingness to exercise delegated authority for compliance activities.
- Ability to use computer systems, tablet devices and communicate and operate a two-way radio.
- Ability to appropriately operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment, including but not limited to conditionally registered vehicles, watercraft (non-coxswain), lifting apparatus and appropriate plant.
- Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and the ability to work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities in the management and protection of natural and cultural heritage.
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.
- 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.
Firefighting requirements
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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 Monday 24 August 2026 at 11:55pm.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Joel Knight via
[email protected] or on 0455 266 646.
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 Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 55243.
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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