Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 830132
Location: 5655 - GAWLER RANGES
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

Step into a career-defining role as Ranger in Charge – Gawler Ranges National Park. 

The Ranger in Charge position is an opportunity to live on-park in the heart of South Australia’s natural landscapes, lead a passionate team, and work alongside the Gawler Ranges People through co-management arrangements to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The role plays a key part in critical conservation projects, including:

• Reintroducing threatened species such as the red-tailed phascogale
• Protecting resident yellow-footed rock wallabies, the sandhill dunnart, and mallee fowl
• Supporting fire management programs 

From enhancing visitor experiences to safeguarding native wildlife, this is your chance to make a lasting impact while enjoying the lifestyle of nearby Wudinna — supported by experienced district and regional staff, with ongoing access to resources from the Eyre and Far West Region and across the State.

Salary & Benefits

• OPS6 classification: $90,604 – $95,413 per annum
• Plus 12% superannuation and recreation leave loading
• Penalty loading for weekends worked
• Subsidized on-park accommodation provided 
• Locality allowance
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Total package value of approximately $125,000 per annum

What’s in it for you

• The rare opportunity to live and work on-park in one of South Australia’s most spectacular natural settings.
• A chance to lead a dedicated team and shape the future of conservation in the Gawler Ranges.
• Partnership with the Gawler Ranges People, contributing to meaningful co-management and cultural heritage protection.
• The satisfaction of seeing your work directly support threatened species recovery, enhance visitor experiences, and deliver fire management outcomes.
• A welcoming lifestyle in Wudinna, with schools, health care, sporting facilities, and a strong community spirit.
• Ongoing access to resources from the Eyre and Far West Region and across the State.
• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities to build your skills and career.

Apply now and help shape the future of the Gawler Ranges.

What can we offer you!

• Total package value of approximately $125,000 per annum.
• Rewarding career in the conservation of threatened species. 
• 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.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Contract is Ongoing 

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 hour’s work including the participation in an “on-call” roster.
• Will be required to work some weekends, public holidays and days of significant fire danger for which a penalty rate will be applied.
• 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.
• May be required to work from any location within the region or any region or management unit within the state.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness and ability to safely operate a 4wd is essential.
• A current Provide First Aid Certificate is desirable (HLTAID001; HLTAID002 and HLTAID003).
• Intra or interstate travel is required, including extended periods of time away from home and travel in light aircraft.
• 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.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check.
• 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).
• Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or when representing the department is mandatory.

Remuneration: 
OPS6 $90,604 min - $95,413 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Lana Roediger, Senior Ranger 
lana.roediger@sa.gov.au
Mobile: 0407 771 527

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

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and submit a written letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

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: 01/02/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description OPS6 Ranger in Charge.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.