The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.
About the Role
The Ranger Leading Hand plays an important role in delivering land management, conservation and visitor services across GORCAPA's parks and reserves. This role will support the safe, efficient and effective delivery of day-to-day field operations and on-ground programs, collaborating closely with the Protected Areas Coordinator and the Ranger Team Leader.
Combining strong practical field skills with hands-on leadership, you will coordinate and support Rangers, seasonal staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver a diverse range of activities, including conservation works, visitor infrastructure and asset maintenance, compliance and enforcement, visitor education and engagement, and collaboration with Traditional Owners, community members and stakeholders.
This role is ideal for a proactive leader who enjoys working in the field, guiding teams, and contributing to continuous improvement while helping to protect and enhance some of Victoria's most significant coastal and park environments.
- Join GORCAPA's National Park team and help create memorable experiences for community members and visitors from across Australia and beyond.
- This role may require weekend and rostered work, travel across remote locations and participation in emergency response activities., field-based teams.
- We're looking for a capable operational leader with experience delivering land management or natural resource management outcomes through diverse, field-based outcomes.
What we're looking for?
- Relevant qualifications and/or experience in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, land management, a trade discipline or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience supervising teams in ranger services, land management, parks operations or a similar environment.
- Strong operational planning and project delivery skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and resources.
- Experience overseeing contractors, procurement processes and operational budgets.
- Sound knowledge of OHS, risk management and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Safe Chemical Use certificate (desirable).
- Current Australian manual driver's licence.
Why join us?
- Work in a spectacular coastal location along the Great Ocean Road.
- Be part of an organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Victoria's iconic coast and parks.
- Enjoy a varied role that combines leadership, outdoor work and community engagement.
- Join a supportive team committed to delivering timely and exceptional operational work.
- Access opportunities for professional development and ongoing training.
- Contribute directly to the success of one of the region's most popular visitor destinations.
Note - Recent applicants have been considered in the shortlisting process, interviews may commence in the timeline before the submission deadline in Mid-October.
Everyone is welcome at the Authority
Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.