At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional operations and protect natural landscapes while supporting local communities.
- Company: Join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for a meaningful leadership role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accrued days off, wellbeing programs, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on conservation and community engagement in beautiful regional NSW.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, land management, and collaboration with diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 154231 - 178369 $ per year.
Lead with purpose. Care for Country. Make a lasting difference in regional NSW. An exceptional regional leadership opportunity with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
About the role
This is the kind of leadership role that can define a career. As Area Manager, Castlereagh, you will lead people and operations across some of the state’s most distinctive landscapes - making decisions that protect natural and cultural values, support safe and memorable visitor experiences, and deliver genuine benefits for local communities. Working from Baradine or Coonabarabran, you will have the scope and influence of a senior regional role while remaining closely connected to the people, places and communities your team serves.
You will join the Northern Inland Branch management team and lead a committed, multidisciplinary workforce delivering practical outcomes across conservation, visitor services, infrastructure and park operations. The Castlereagh Area includes 33 parks extending from the tall montane landscapes of Coolah Tops through the extensive Pilliga forests and Warrumbungle National Park to the internationally recognised Macquarie Marshes. The Area includes campgrounds, walking tracks and two NPWS-managed visitor centres, with up to 31 staff working across Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle National Park, Baradine, Gunnedah and the Macquarie Marshes. The Area Manager also supports and participates in the Deriah and Pilliga Gawaambaraay Aboriginal Joint Management Committees.
You will oversee specialist teams in the management of park operations and conservation delivery across the Area, including:
- Lead fire incident planning, preparedness and response
- Deliver safe, high-quality visitor experiences
- Guide environmental assessment and conservation planning
- Drive threatened species conservation programs
- Coordinate feral animal and weed management
- Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities and support cultural heritage and joint management outcomes
- Oversee assets and infrastructure
- Protect and conserve historic heritage
- Manage budgets and financial performance
- Maintain effective governance and operational systems
About you
You may already be leading in land management, regional operations, emergency or incident management, infrastructure, conservation, community services or another complex operational setting. What matters is that you know how to bring people together, set clear direction and turn strategy into practical results. You will be a relatable and credible leader who is comfortable working across dispersed locations, balancing competing priorities and building trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, local communities, partners and stakeholders.
You do not need to be actively looking for your next move - if you are an experienced operational leader seeking meaningful work, regional influence and the opportunity to care for Country, we encourage you to consider what this role could offer.
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 License.
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.
- Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
- Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.
Applications close: Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 11:55pm.
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.
Manager Area employer: NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the environment and heritage of New South Wales. With a strong focus on employee growth, the department offers comprehensive training programs and a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Harris Park, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and professional development while contributing to vital sustainability initiatives.
Contact Details:
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Recruitment Team
