Teaching & Instruction

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger

ESCO 2133 · OSCA 244331

Role snapshot

Overview

Manages and protects Country by monitoring ecosystems, controlling invasive species, and carrying out cultural burns and conservation work. Combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern land management techniques to ensure the health and cultural integrity of land and sea Country.

Contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, sustainable land and sea management, and the protection and transmission of Indigenous cultural heritage and knowledge for future generations.

On the job

Conduct ecological surveys and monitor flora and fauna populations
Implement cultural burning practices for land regeneration and fire management
Control invasive species through trapping, culling, or removal programs
Maintain infrastructure such as fences, tracks, and cultural sites
Engage with community members and stakeholders on land management issues

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger at work

Tools & technology

GPS devicesField survey equipmentFour-wheel drive vehiclesChainsaws and brush cuttersBoats and marine safety equipment

Average salary

$65K

MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD

$45K Bottom 10%

$85K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

Vocational qualifications or a diploma/degree in conservation, environmental science, Indigenous studies, or land management are beneficial. Strong traditional ecological knowledge is often prioritised.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Land and Sea Ranger

Indigenous Protected Area Coordinator

CURRENT ROLE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger

Teaching & Instruction

ADJACENT MOVES

Environmental Officer

Cultural Heritage Officer

Junior Ranger

Conservation Volunteer

Indigenous Community Worker

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

realistic · RIS

People who enjoy practical, hands-on work outdoors, investigating ecological systems, and engaging with communities to protect natural and cultural heritage tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Curious

Enjoys observing, investigating, and learning about ecosystems and traditional ecological knowledge.

Diligent

Committed to following land management plans and ensuring tasks are completed thoroughly and safely.

Practical

Prefers hands-on work in the field, using tools and solving real-world environmental challenges.

Collaborative

Works effectively with team members, elders, and community groups to achieve shared conservation goals.

Resilient

Handles challenging outdoor conditions and the physical demands of field work without undue stress.

Community-minded

Motivated by contributing to the well-being of their community and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Best for

Individuals passionate about environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
Those who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work and applying both traditional and modern knowledge.
People who thrive in team environments and community engagement.

Watch out for

The role requires significant physical activity and exposure to various weather conditions.
May involve working in remote locations and occasional weekend or irregular hours.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm

Mon

Team briefing and planning for the week

Ecosystem monitoring: water quality testing and wildlife observation

Invasive species removal (e.g., weeding, trapping)

Tue

Cultural site inspection and maintenance

Preparation for cultural burn (clearing fire breaks, risk assessment)

Wed

Conducting a cultural burn with elders and team

Post-burn monitoring and safety checks

Thu