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Ranger
Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 841152
Location: 5700 - PORT AUGUSTA
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone


About the Role:

We are seeking a hard worker who enjoys the Outback and challenging remote work.  As part of a small but dynamic team you will be working in the Central Outback of South Australia.  Our reserves include the iconic Munga-Thirri - Simpson Desert National Park, Witjira National Park and Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre National Park.

Reporting to the Senior Ranger, you will contribute to the effective operational management of parks and reserves within the Outback District.  You will support the management of park conservation and wildlife values, ensuring park visitors enjoy a safe and memorable experience.  As a ranger, you will support the maintenance and presentation of park facilities and assets, participate in fire and emergency response, and work with key partners including park neighbours, conservation partners, volunteers and Aboriginal communities.

In undertaking this role, you will be someone who

  • Is passionate for the environment and is driven to make a difference
  • Enjoys working in remote locations and is at ease working alone
  • Is comfortable working away from home for extended periods

We are looking for

  • Demonstrated experience in either the agricultural or pastoral industries
  • Demonstrated competence operating earth-moving machinery
  • A current HC driver's licence is highly desirable
  • A current ticket to operate a grader is highly desirable

This role is based in Port Augusta and will involve working a shift of 10 days on, 4 days off.  However, if the successful applicant does not reside in Port Augusta, flexible rostering arrangements may be available.  This role attracts up to 5 weeks of annual leave and 13.1% loading on top of the base salary due to the rostered arrangement.​


What can we offer you!

  • Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
  • Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
  • Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
  • Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
  • Meaningful and rewarding career.
  • An option to trial a drive-in, drive-out, three weeks on and two weeks off roster for a period of six months may be available subject to negotiation. Subject to this arrangement being mutually beneficial and following a reivew after six months, the arrangement may be continued. 

Contract: 
Contract is Ongoing 

Essential Qualifications (including qualifications):

  • Current Drivers Licence Class C including willingness and ability to safely operate a 4WD.
  • Current First Aid.

Special Conditions:

  • Will be required to participate in emergency operations including bushfire operations, search and rescue and marine mammal strandings. This may require at times, some out of hours work including the participation in an “on-call” roster.
  • Will be required to undertake a medical and fitness assessment for a Fire Fighting Role Classification as defined in the DEW Fire Management Policy and Procedures.
  • Will be required to work regular weekends and public holidays for which a penalty rate will be applied.
  • May be required to work from any location within the region or any region or management unit within the state.
  • Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or when representing the department is mandatory.
  • Intra-state travel is required, including time away from home and travel in light aircraft.
  • A current Provide First Aid Certificate is highly desirable (HLTAID001; HLTAID002 and HLTAID003).
  • Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be required to provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), which is required to be renewed every three years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal. 
  • Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to provide a Department of Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. [DEW will cover the cost of renewal]
  • You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
  • Will be required to undertake a general health work-fit medical and psychometric testing due to the remote nature of the work. 

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months.

Remuneration: 
OPS2 $64,194 min - $67,154 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Libby Mapletoft, A/ District Ranger, Outback
elizabeth.mapletoft@sa.gov.au
Mobile: 0427 494 518

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) This letter should address the following selection criteria using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) where appropriate. 

  • Demonstrated experience working in a remote or isolated area.
  • Demonstrated skills/behaviours that benefit a small team working in a remote area.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience working in Land Management, Conservation, Risk Management and Visitor Management.
  • Demonstrated skills in operating earth-moving and farm machinery.
  • Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal people and remote communities (indigenous and non-indigenous).

Applicants should also attach copies of any relevant licences or certificates such as driver’s licence, grader ticket, first aid certificate etc.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.


Applications close: 28/04/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description OPS2 Ranger.pdf


Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.