Inside the Director of National Parks: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Director of National Parks? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this government entity—ranging from their Australia-wide responsibilities to the top skills and qualifications they’re seeking. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to chart your path to a rewarding public-sector career.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Director of National Parks
Location: Australia-wide
CEO: Ricky Archer (Director of National Parks)
Total Revenue: AUD 167.742 million (for 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 465 full-time equivalent staff as at 30 June 2024
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Environmental Science / Conservation – Great for biodiversity projects and habitat protection.
Public Administration / Policy – Essential for shaping and interpreting regulations in a government context.
Tourism & Hospitality – Helpful for roles focusing on visitor experience and park tourism management.
Business / Management – Valuable for strategic planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
Information Technology – Crucial for data management, digital mapping, and administrative systems.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Overseeing infrastructure and conservation projects efficiently.
Workplace Health & Safety – Key for ensuring safe operations in remote and diverse park environments.
Conservation & Land Management (Certificate III or IV) – Practical qualifications for on-ground roles like field officers.
Horticulture – Relevant for those involved with botanic gardens and plant nurseries.
Fire Management / First Aid – Necessary for emergency response and visitor safety.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Rangers / Field Officers – Core to preserving and interpreting natural and cultural assets on-site.
Carpenters / Electricians – In demand to maintain and upgrade facilities in remote parks.
Mechanics / Fleet Technicians – Essential for keeping vehicles and machinery operational, especially in regional areas.
Marine Specialists – Critical for research and monitoring within 61 Australian Marine Parks.
Communications & Outreach Specialists – Vital for delivering public engagement, educational programs, and community relations.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Project Coordination – Overseeing various initiatives, from infrastructure upgrades to heritage preservation.
Stakeholder Engagement – Building relationships with Traditional Owners, local communities, and partner agencies.
Data Analysis – Informing science-based decisions on environmental management.
Financial Management – Responsible stewardship of a ~AUD 167 million budget.
Problem-Solving – Addressing challenges ranging from invasive species to climate impacts.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Government or Public Service – Familiarity with policy processes and compliance frameworks.
Outdoor Recreation / Eco-Tourism – Hands-on experience that translates well to park visitor operations.
Community Engagement – Leading public workshops, info sessions, or volunteer initiatives.
Research & Field Studies – Gathering and interpreting crucial environmental data.
Administrative Support – Coordinating schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a busy public-sector setting.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Director of National Parks
Name of CEO: Ricky Archer (Director of National Parks)
Location: Australia-wide
Year Founded: Established under the EPBC Act (2000)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
To protect, conserve, and enhance the values of Commonwealth parks and gardens for the well-being of all Australians. Real-world example? They manage everything from iconic sites like Kakadu to remote marine reserves, ensuring these places remain pristine for future generations.Main duties of the department:
Overseeing 7 terrestrial parks/gardens (including Kakadu, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Booderee) and 61 marine parks
Protecting vital habitats and cultural heritage sites
Managing visitor experiences and tourism operations
Conducting or facilitating research and environmental monitoring
Real-world impact: Their teams restore habitats, protect threatened species, and partner with Traditional Owners to preserve sacred cultural sites.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Infrastructure upgrades across multiple parks (from roads to visitor centres)
Biodiversity conservation projects focusing on threatened species and ecosystems
Marine park expansions for critical habitat protection
Sustainable tourism initiatives balancing environmental stewardship with visitor access
Did you know?
The Director of National Parks manages one of the largest marine protected areas in the world—61 Australian Marine Parks covering over 3.8 million square kilometres!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 464.51 FTE (rounded to approx. 465) as of 30 June 2024
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (headcount at 30 June 2024, excluding casuals) :
APS 1–3: 103
APS 4: 61
APS 5: 78
APS 6: 113
EL1: 86
EL2: 20
SES1: 5
SES2: 1
(The Director of National Parks is not included in these figures.)
Salary Bands (approx. ranges):
APS 1–3: ~AUD 50k–70k
APS 4–6: ~AUD 70k–100k
EL 1–2: ~AUD 100k–160k
SES: ~AUD 160k–300k+
Average Salary in the Department: ~AUD 80k–100k (varies by role and experience)
Total Revenue: AUD 167.742 million in 2023–24
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 361,000
GETTING A JOB AT THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PARKS
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Conservation & Land Management – Hands-on roles in fieldwork, habitat restoration, and firefighting support.
Horticulture – Perfect for those working in botanic gardens or specialized native plant nurseries.
Workplace Health & Safety – Critical for safe park operations and remote logistics.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Environmental Science / Ecology – Integral to threatened species work, ecosystem assessments, and policy advice.
Public Policy / Administration – Strongly valued for leading projects, understanding legislative frameworks, and applying government processes.
Tourism Management – High demand for improving visitor experience and sustainable travel initiatives.
PhDs:
Specialist Research (Marine Biology, Climate Science, Cultural Heritage) – In-depth expertise helps tackle complex research problems, such as coral reef conservation or climate resilience strategies.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers – Maintaining park facilities and infrastructure in sometimes harsh and remote environments.
Mechanical / Automotive Trades – Keeping essential vehicles, vessels, and machinery operational.
Field Naturalists – Assisting scientific teams with species monitoring and ecological surveys.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Public-Sector Administration – Understanding the policy and compliance aspects of managing government projects.
Project Management – Coordinating large-scale infrastructure builds, research initiatives, and conservation programs.
Field-Based Conservation – Hands-on familiarity with natural resource management, fire operations, and invasive species control.
Visitor / Customer Service – Managing tourist inquiries, guided tours, and community events.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft Skills:
Communication – Presenting and liaising with everyone from Traditional Owners to international tourists.
Teamwork – Collaborating with multiple agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
Adaptability – Thriving in remote areas, extreme climates, or changing operational conditions.
Technical Skills:
GIS / Remote Sensing – Mapping large territories and marine environments.
Drone Operation – Efficient surveying of extensive landscapes or difficult-to-reach marine zones.
Data Analytics – Driving evidence-based policy and conservation decisions.
General Skills:
Budgeting – Managing large, taxpayer-funded resources effectively.
Policy Interpretation – Ensuring on-ground actions align with national legislative requirements.
Digital Literacy – Navigating online tools for research, training, and public outreach.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Hiking / Camping – Firsthand insight into trail and campground management.
Wildlife Photography – Documenting species, habitats, and long-term environmental changes.
Volunteering for Environmental Causes – Reflects a genuine passion for conservation and local communities.
Cultural / Historical Exploration – Fosters an appreciation for Traditional Owner heritage and historical sites.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the Director of National Parks
Address: GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6274 1111
Email: parksonline@environment.gov.au
Website: parksaustralia.gov.au
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