Department for Environment and Water

Job reference: 863609

Location: 5434 - WILPENA

Job status: Ongoing

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

Step into a career-defining leadership opportunity as Ranger in Charge at the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park—one of South Australia's most spectacular and ecologically significant landscapes. The role provides the opportunity to live and work on-park, lead a committed team, and contribute to meaningful conservation and co-management outcomes alongside the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners.

As Ranger in Charge, you will lead the delivery of park management across one of the state's most iconic conservation areas. You will oversee staff, guide operational priorities, and work collaboratively with Traditional Owners through established co-management arrangements.

You will play a key role in delivering significant conservation programs, including:

- Reintroduction and recovery of threatened species.
- Protection of key species such as Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies.
- Implementation of park management strategies and programs.
- Enhancing visitor experiences in a unique and remote natural setting.

Salary & Benefits
- OPS6 Salary: $97,292 – $102,456 per annum.
- 12% superannuation plus recreation leave loading.
- Penalty loading for weekend and public holiday work.
- Subsidised on-park accommodation provided.
- Locality allowance.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Approximate total employment value: $128,000 per annum.

What's in it for You?

- Live on-park and immerse yourself in one of South Australia's most remarkable landscapes.
- Lead a passionate, high-performing team and influence conservation outcomes.
- Work in genuine partnership with the Adnyamathanha People, supporting cultural heritage and shared land management.
- Make an impact on threatened species recovery and biodiversity conservation.
- Enjoy the lifestyle of the nearby Hawker community, with access to schools, healthcare, and sporting facilities.
- Be supported by experienced colleagues across the Flinders & Outback Region and statewide networks.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- The prospect to shape your career in a high-impact leadership role.

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.

Contract: Ongoing, with a proposed commencement date Middle of March 2027. Essential Criteria (including qualifications):

- Maintains a thorough and up to date knowledge of, and has relevant experience in, ecological and nature conservation management principles and practices including: water resources, land management, wildlife management, fire management, control of environmental pest plant and animal species, habitat restoration and associated threat abatement across terrestrial, riverine and marine environments.
- Is able to accurately interpret and effectively apply relevant legislation and policy.
- Seeks feedback on written communication to monitor own effectiveness.
- Provides considered advice and information on issues relating to park management.
- Well developed skills and experience in project management including planning, procurement, risk, budget and contract management.
- Shows an accurate understanding of contemporary approaches to community engagement, sustainable tourism and the management of visitor services in a park management context and demonstrates a knowledge of lease management principles and practices.
- Proven track record in effectively supervising a team, and the ability to foster a collaborative environment to achieve organisational goals.
- A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness and ability to safely operate a 4wd is essential.

Special Conditions:

- Will be required to participate in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, search and rescue and marine mammal stranding activities as directed by government agencies. 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.
- 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.
- Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or when representing the department is mandatory.
- The Department for Environment and Water is committed to providing a safe environment to all children and young people who access our services and visit our sites. This role requires candidates to provide a valid Working with Children Check which must be renewed every five years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
- This role requires candidates to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which must be renewed every three years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.

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. This information must be supplied by all applicants who are shortlisted for interview.

Remuneration:

OPS6 $97,292 min - $102,456 max p.a.

Enquiries to:

David Phillips, District Ranger [email protected]

Mobile: 0436 332 218

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) addressing the Essential and Desirable 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: 03/12/2026 11:00 PM

📌 Ranger in Charge (Hawker)
🏢 Government Of South Australia
📍 Hawker