Field Officer (Grade 1-2)

• Field Officer (Grade 1/2) – 7x Positions 
• Temporary Full-time from 1 October 2026 to 30 April 2027 
• Located in Jindabyne  
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $60,629 to $66,559 + employer's contribution to superannuation and 17% loading for working weekends and public holidays 

National Parks and Wildlife Service has an exciting opportunity for 7 seasonal Field Officers to join the Hawkweed Eradication Program to help current eradication efforts and support the conservation of the natural environment, flora and fauna.

Orange and mouse-ear hawkweed are highly invasive weeds listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 due to the extreme risk they pose to some of our most diverse alpine and sub-alpine environments. Both species are found in Kosciuszko National Park, threatening ecological communities including Windswept Feldmark, Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland and broad-toothed rat habitat. The Hawkweed Eradication Program is responsible for delivering comprehensive surveillance and control activities from October through April each year. If successful, it will mark the first recorded eradication of a weed in NSW.

So, what will you be doing as a Hawkweed Field Officer working in some of the most spectacular parts of Kosciuszko National Park? You will:

• Perform on the ground line surveillance work to find and ID orange and mouse-ear hawkweed in remote locations
• Hike and navigate through a variety of terrain to meet program goals – we can be walking up to 10km a day
• Control hawkweed plants through the application of herbicides using multiple application techniques
• Collect, record and keep surveillance, treatment and other program data using various tech like smartphones and handheld GPS devices
• Work regularly in and around helicopters to access remote sites and move equipment
• Participate in campouts at remote sites in Kosciuszko National Park to more efficiently complete needed surveillance
• Collaborate with a variety of different internal NPWS stakeholders and external agencies who support the eradication program.

 There is regular travel between our key hubs of Jindabyne and Khancoban. Our Jindabyne based staff can be travelling for 8 weeks or more at different times through the season.

You can read more about the Hawkweed Eradication here, or see more about what we do here. More useful links include:

• →NPWS Snowy Mountains Region
• →Living & Working in Jindabyne

You will enjoy working in a team environment and have keen interest in working outdoors (in all sorts of weather!) with the aim of conserving our beautiful environment. You will be safety conscious, with strong attention to detail and an ability to capture and track information. Goal orientated, your fitness and enthusiasm will enable you to thrive, learn and succeed in this diverse and dynamic role.

While certifications listed below are beneficial, they aren’t essential – we can help with training if needed: 

• Current First Aid Certificate
• AQF3 Chemical Handling
• 4WD Vehicle Recovery
• Working Safely Around Aircraft (WSAA)
• Chainsaw Trim and Crosscut

• Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent, and ability to drive 4wd vehicles.
• Ability to obtain and use MR Licence where appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability and experience to carry out all duties safely and ability to obtain relevant SafeWork NSW certification to appropriately operate and maintain a range of plant and equipment, including but not limited to conditionally registered vehicles, watercraft (non-coxswain), lifting apparatus and minor road maintenance plant as well as the  ability and willingness to obtain a First Aid certificate.
• Certification, or ability to obtain certification within the probationary period (up to 12 months), in operating a chainsaw to crosscut or basic tree felling standard; ability to operate two-way radio.
• Ability to carry out frontline firefighting duties and support roles including, ability to obtain and maintain certification as crew member within the probationary period (up to 12 months), and a willingness to fly in light aircraft.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• 17% salary loading in recognition of working some weekend and public holidays
• Regular rostered days off enabling work-life balance (so you can enjoy the Snowy Mountains in Summer!)
• Develop valuable skills and experiences that can lead to future opportunities in NPWS
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

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.

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.

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

About the NSW Hawkweed Eradication Program

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Please include a copy of your resume and short cover letter (1 page) highlighting your key experience (formal or informal), knowledge or other skills that would allow you to be successful in the role.

Have questions or would like more information about the role? Please contact Emma Chapman-Davies, Senior Project Officer Hawkweed Management via emma.chapman-davies@environment.nsw.gov.au or on 0438 814 473.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen, New Zealand 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.

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. 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. 

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. 
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace. 

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.npws.gov.au or contacting Vithiya Yogarajah 02 9995 5011 (please mention reference number 551392).  

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 06 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 02 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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