From mountain ranges to internationally recognised wetlands - your next leadership role has real scope. Lead the people and partnerships caring for 41 parks and reserves across the Barwon Area. Area Manager, Barwon (Clerk Grade 11-12) Ongoing full-time role Work from Barwon or Narrabri Package includes salary $154,231–$178,369 plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (and other incentives)

About the role

Lead a team of up to 31 staff caring for 41 parks and reserves across the Barwon Area. From the Nandewar Range and Kaputar National Park to Narran Lakes and Gwydir Wetlands, you will oversee conservation, visitor services and park operations across some of northern inland NSW’s most distinctive landscapes. As part of the Northern Inland Branch management team, you will turn regional priorities into practical results, supporting staff across Narrabri, Bingara and remote depots. Your remit spans fire preparedness and response, threatened species, pest and weed control, visitor safety, infrastructure and heritage conservation, backed by sound financial and systems management. Partnerships are central to the role. You will work with local communities and support the Deriah, Terry Hie Hie and Narran Lakes Joint Management Committees to deliver cultural heritage and joint management outcomes. Considering a regional move? Narrabri offers schools, sporting facilities and cultural activities, with national parks close by. Bring your leadership experience to a role with variety, responsibility and a strong connection to place.

About you

You know how to lead when the work is varied, the team is spread across locations and priorities compete.



You bring strategic thinking, practical operational judgement and an approachable style that helps people work together. Your experience in protected area management or a related field has prepared you to lead field staff, rangers, administration and project staff, communicate clearly through change and translate plans into results. Just as importantly, you build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, local communities and stakeholders. If you are ready to apply that experience to the natural and cultural landscapes of the Barwon Area, we would like to hear from you.

Essential Requirements

- Extensive experience managing diverse, dispersed and multi-disciplinary teams in a dynamic and changing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver a diverse range of park management operations and visitor services aligned to strategic organisational outcomes and competence in incident management planning and control.
- Extensive experience and proven ability to exercise sound judgement in working in a senior function including the provision of advice on management of various issues and provision of high level support.
- Proven ability to work in collaboration with local communities and key stakeholders.




- Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal communities to deliver cultural and environmental outcomes; and/or demonstrated ability in working with Aboriginal boards and committees under joint management arrangements.
- Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

What we can offer you

- 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. Northern Inland Branch Overview.

Employment eligibility and visa sponsorship

Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur where no suitable permanent resident or citizen of Australia has been identified and must not exceed the duration or conditions associated with the current visa. Sponsorship may be considered for applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role and are eligible for sponsorship, where no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident has been identified.

Applications close: Sunday, 22 November 2026 at 11:55pm

For further information about the role please contact John Whittall, Director Northern Inland Branch, NPWS on (phone hidden) or [email protected]

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Workplace 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 stat

📌 Manager Area (Narrabri)
🏢 National Parks & Wildlife Service
📍 Narrabri