Ranger and Field Officers sought for new Thurloo Downs National Park

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is looking to assemble an inaugural team of Field Officers, a Ranger and a Team Leader to help establish the third largest national park in NSW at Thurloo Downs.

Thurloo Downs, a 437,394-hectare site between Tibooburra and Bourke, has recently been acquired by the NSW Government for addition to the national park estate.

The team will play a fundamental role in shaping the future of Thurloo Downs, safeguarding its biodiversity and embracing its cultural significance.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Executive Director Inland Rob Smith said the service is looking for individuals who are passionate about conservation and land management and who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

Smith notes “Thurloo Downs presents a unique opportunity for aspiring conservationists to make their mark on environmental preservation in NSW. Over the next two years, Thurloo Downs will transition to a national park as the pastoral operation winds down.

“'During this period, our team will deliver targeted feral animal and weed control, undertake ecological and cultural heritage surveys, and plan visitor infrastructure. The park will open to visitors from 2025–26.”

Field Officers roles will involve on-the-ground construction, maintenance, and improvement work to park assets. They will operate and maintain heavy plant and machinery to help with fire preparedness, prevention, response and recovery activities.

The Ranger will coordinate and undertake projects, environmental assessments, visitor and stakeholder liaison, and field-based activities including burn planning, wildfire management and law enforcement. Rangers are required to hold tertiary qualifications in a relevant degree and have previous work experience in natural land management strategies.

Field Officer and Ranger roles will initially be based in Bourke and will require regular travel to Thurloo Downs for the first two years and some of the roles will then be based on Thurloo Downs after the transition period.

The Team Leader Rangers (TLR) role is a senior management role based in Bourke that will support the NPWS Area Manager to achieve conservation and community outcomes across a range of parks and reserves in far western NSW.

For more information about the roles, or to submit an application, visit iworkfor.nsw.gov.au.

Image. Thurloo Downs. Credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service