Wildlife Officer In Charge

Role overview

This Cairns-based leadership opportunity sits within Queensland Government’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnership team. The position is centred on wildlife management in the Wet Tropics, with a particular emphasis on crocodile-related work across northern Queensland.

The role plays an important part in reducing conflict between people and wildlife, ensuring compliance with fauna and flora requirements under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992, and strengthening relationships with local communities. It also supports research and monitoring activities.

What the role involves

You will lead wildlife rangers and help maintain the reporting and administration systems tied to the Queensland Estuarine Crocodile Management Plan. The work also involves the safe and ethical use of wildlife capture methods, along with the handling, transport and supervision of animals involved in these operations.

Because the role includes fieldwork in northern Queensland, you must be prepared to work in remote and isolated locations for extended periods, sometimes at short notice.

Skills and experience needed

The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership ability and relevant experience, together with a genuine interest in biodiversity and conservation. You should also be comfortable working in environments where safety, animal ethics and cultural awareness are essential.

Experience operating vessels in remote settings will be an advantage, as will familiarity with navigational tools, communication equipment and remote tracking systems. A practical understanding of environmental conditions such as tides and severe weather, and the ability to find safe technical solutions quickly, will also support success in the role.

Additional information

Applications for this vacancy will stay active for 12 months.

Job ad reference: QLD/694869/26

Closing date: Thursday, 23 July 2026

Occupational group: Primary Industry & Environment