Do you want to work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage

As our new Area Manager for Castlereagh, you’ll lead passionate teams protecting iconic landscapes and communities across Northern NSW while enjoying the lifestyle and influence that comes with a senior regional role.

About the role

Based in Baradine, the heart of the Pilliga forest – you as the Area Manager will be responsible for the Castlereagh Area. This area includes 33 parks and covers the tall montane Coolah Tops, extensive Pilliga Forests, popular Warrumbungle National Park, and internationally recognised Macquarie Marshes.  The area manages a variety of campgrounds and walking tracks and there are two NPWS managed visitor centres.  Overseeing up to 31 staff based across various sites from Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle National Park, Baradine, Gunnedah, to the Macquarie Marshes.  You as the Area Manager are a supporter and participant in two Aboriginal Joint Management Committees, Boonalla and Pilliga Gawaambaraay.

This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing a team who deliver conservation programs, visitor services and infrastructure management.  You will lead and manage highly committed and cohesive team implementing park management programs across a variety of national parks and reserves as well as working with diverse stakeholders, whilst working as part of the broader Northern Inland Branches Management team.

This role oversees the full breadth of park operations and conservation delivery across the Area. Responsibilities include fire management, visitor safety and experience, environmental and conservation planning, threatened species programs and landscape-scale pest management. The role also leads Aboriginal community engagement and joint management arrangements, while ensuring sound governance across assets, historic heritage, finance and supporting systems.

About you

You are an experienced and relatable people leader who is strategic, with a strong collaborative nature and operational acumen, to successfully lead large teams, including diverse workforces (think field staff, rangers, administration, and project staff) across various locations.  You are a skilled communicator, who can effectively lead change and deliver outcomes.  You will have previous experience, leading a multidisciplinary team with a protected area reserve system environment or related field with a focus on leadership and service delivery and effectiveness.

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.

NPWS is committed to building a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring strong representation of women in leadership roles. We aim to achieve a balanced and diverse leadership team. As such, we strongly encourage female candidates who possess the necessary capabilities and experience for these roles to apply.

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.

To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Sponsorship may be available to suitable candidates, subject to eligibility.

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.

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.