GORCAPA

GORCAPA is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.

Help protect and manage one of Australia's most iconic coastal and park landscapes, including the Great Otway National Park and the world-renowned Great Ocean Walk.

This role can be based in Lorne or Apollo Bay.

Position Purpose

As Ranger Team Leader, you'll provide operational leadership to a team delivering conservation, visitor management, infrastructure maintenance and land management programs across the Great Ocean Road coast and parks estate. Working closely with the National Parks Manager, Protected Area Coordinator and Ranger Leading Hands, you'll coordinate day-to-day field operations, lead a high-performing team, and ensure safe, efficient and high-quality outcomes across a diverse network of parks, reserves and visitor destinations.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines people management, operational planning, stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship. You'll play a key role in protecting the unique natural, cultural and heritage values of the region while delivering exceptional visitor experiences across iconic locations, including the Great Otway National Park, Great Ocean Walk and surrounding protected area coastal and hinterland reserves. 

What you'll do?

• Lead and coordinate Rangers and field staff to deliver land management, conservation, infrastructure and visitor management programs.
• Plan, prioritise and oversee operational works programs, ensuring activities are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Manage workforce planning, rostering, resource allocation and day-to-day operational priorities.
• Recruit, coach, mentor and develop team members while fostering a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
• Monitor and manage operational risks, ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and cultural heritage requirements.
• Procure and manage contractors, consultants and operational resources, ensuring contractual and service delivery standards are achieved.
• Monitor budgets and expenditure, supporting the effective use of organisational resources.
• Build strong relationships with Traditional Owners, community groups, volunteers, government agencies, commercial operators and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to emergency response and recovery activities when required.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and help drive operational excellence across the organisation.

What we're looking for?  

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in environmental science, conservation and land management, natural resource management, outdoor education, community engagement, a relevant trade or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in a Ranger or comparable land management role, including leading teams and delivering operational programs and projects.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage staff in a dynamic operational environment.
• Experience managing land management, conservation, visitor services, infrastructure or asset management programs.
• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety, risk management and legislative compliance.
• Experience managing contractors, procurement activities, budgets and operational resources.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A high level of integrity, accountability and commitment to public sector values.

Everyone is welcome at the Authority:

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

A position description is attached.