- Aboriginal Identified Opportunity – Discovery Ranger
- Casual opportunity - no guaranteed hours per week
- Based in the Newcastle Area
- Casual rates apply depending on experience ($45.01 to $49.28) plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and casual loading
Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
About the role
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is offering a unique opportunity for an Identified Discovery Ranger to join the Hunter Central Coast team. This role is grounded in caring for and sharing knowledge of Country – supporting the protection of our natural environment, cultural landscapes, Aboriginal heritage, flora and fauna.
As a Discovery Ranger, you will walk alongside community, culture and Country, delivering meaningful cultural and environmental learning experiences. You will guide and connect people to Aboriginal perspectives, the significance of place, and the importance of ongoing care for Country. Your lived experience and cultural knowledge are recognised and valued as a strength.
This is an Aboriginal Identified role under section 14d of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977). Aboriginality is a genuine requirement, recognising that Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge and community connection are essential to the work we do.
The Discovery Ranger is a casual opportunity based across Hunter Central Coast area. You will support and deliver a variety of cultural, educational, and interpretive programs – both on Country and in local schools – to build understanding and appreciation and respect for Aboriginal culture and the environment.
You will support NPWS’s goals by:
- Sharing cultural knowledge in a respectful, engaging way
- Facilitating hands-on immersive experiences that reflect Aboriginal connection to Country
- Working alongside Elders, knowledge holders and communities to co-design programs
- Helping people build stronger connections to local Aboriginal stories, Country and values
This role provides ongoing opportunities for training, mentoring, and professional growth, while making a real contribution to reconciliation and cultural learning across the broader community.
About You
We are seeking someone who: -
- Has a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to community
- Is confident and respectful when speaking with children, young people, and adults
- Can adapt communication style to different settings – on Country, in schools and at events
- Understands and upholds the importance of cultural safety and respectful sharing
- Is passionate about looking after Country, Culture and Community
- Is self-driven and responsible when working independently or within a team
- Has a deep interest in Aboriginal history, languages and ecology storytelling
- Respects protocols and guidance of local Elders and community voices
Essential Requirements
- This is an identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed 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 (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:
- is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
- identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
- is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
- A current Working with Children Check (WWCC) is an essential requirement for this role. The role has been identified as requiring this check in line with the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012.
- First Aid Certificate and Current Australian Drivers Licence, or willingness to obtain.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays
For more information read the full Role Description: Discovery Ranger Identified
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.
- Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
What we do
About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Visit a park
Hunter Central 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.
Applications close: Thursday 24 July 2025 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Shani Milgate via [email protected] or on 0437 265 555.
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 Tori Basnet on 0400 543 556 (please mention reference number 543772).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn
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