Want to be a Ranger?
- Issued
- 28 July 2025
When we were formed some 50 years ago, we had 292 national parks and 85 field staff. It sounds like a lot until we tell you that we now work across more than 1,000 protected areas and have over 1,400 staff. Those 1,000 protected areas cover more than 15 million hectares, including 37 Joint Management areas with our First Nation partners.
It’s a whole lot of land to love and a whole lot of people who love it. We heard you might love it too.
What does a Ranger’s day look like, exactly?
Our Rangers are often the face of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. As stewards of conservation, it’s important they not only walk the walk but share a deep passion for the care of Queensland’s protected areas. The day to day may change, but who we are is fundamental to the Herbie badge.
A fun day for Ranger in Charge Troy would include time in the water undertaking Reef Health Impact Assessments in the beautiful Moreton Bay Marine Park, while Ranger Tay, based out of Maleny, relishes every chance he gets to work on a fire line. Over at Springbrook National Park, Ranger Isla shares some of the difficulties that come with managing an area open to the elements.
‘There are challenges that come with the diversity of the job, but I love the variety. The weather extremes can make things difficult though, from bushfire to cyclone and flood clean up. Seeing the destruction can be heartbreaking.’ – Ranger Isla
While engaging and educating our visitors is often on our Rangers’ dance cards, there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Working with various partners on planned burns, weed suppression, and restoration works are just some of the crucial behind-the-scenes conservation-based jobs that Rangers perform to keep their patches in top shape.
All that said, there really is no average day for our Rangers. While you may not always see them, they’re always there, behind the scenes. From trail maintenance and working with local landholders, to visitor education and ensuring compliance within Queensland’s protected areas, our Rangers are experts at adapting to the demands of the day and the needs of their patch.
How do I become a Ranger?
Like other Queensland Government positions, Ranger roles are advertised on SmartJobs. If you’re hoping to get that coveted Herbie on your shoulder, adjusting the Department filter to specify the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation will help narrow your results. You also have the option to set up an alert, so you never miss an opportunity.
Many of our Rangers started their journey in volunteer positions to provide them with a competitive edge when applying for roles. For those wanting other ways to add a little sparkle to their resume, job descriptions for positions will include any optional qualifications, so it pays to do a little metaphorical digging.
Locations for Rangers are as vast and varied as Queensland’s protected areas, so being flexible in where you want to work will also increase your chances.
Want to learn even more?
Check out our YouTube series and ride along with a few of our Rangers in Charge to see there really is no ‘typical’ day at work for a Ranger.
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