Salary Range: $74,512 - $86,595 per annum + superannuation
Make a difference. Protect your community. Build your career.
Looking for a role where no two days are the same and the work you do genuinely matters?
If you’re someone who can think on your feet, communicate confidently, stay calm when situations get difficult and wants to do work that has a real impact on your community, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Join our team as a Ranger and you will play a vital frontline role in protecting community safety, supporting responsible animal ownership and helping people understand and meet their responsibilities. Companion animal management is the key focus of the role, alongside responding to straying livestock, overgrown blocks, illegal dumping and other public safety and compliance matters. You’ll be out in the community representing Council and helping achieve better outcomes through a combination of education, communication, investigation and enforcement.
You’ll investigate complaints, conduct inspections, provide education and advice, issue notices where required, maintain accurate records and prepare statements or evidence for legal proceedings. Importantly, this isn’t simply about issuing notices or enforcing rules - you’ll need to understand why the rules exist, interpret the relevant legislation and apply it fairly, consistently and professionally. Strong literacy, attention to detail, sound judgement and confident communication are essential, as is the ability to have difficult conversations and manage conflict respectfully. Experience handling livestock and confidently operating a 4WD will also be highly regarded.
This can be a challenging role, so resilience is crucial. You may deal with people who are frustrated or distressed, attend confronting animal incidents or respond to emergencies outside normal hours. You’ll need to stay calm, professional and focused on achieving the best possible outcome. You won’t be doing it alone — you’ll join a resilient, supportive and helpful team that backs each other through the tough situations and works together to support our community. We’re looking for someone who brings that same attitude — someone who enjoys being part of a team, is willing to help others and understands that great community outcomes are a shared responsibility.
Previous Ranger or regulatory experience will be highly regarded, but you don’t need to have done exactly this job before. We’re looking for someone with the right skills, attitude and commitment to keep learning and develop professionally, with experience in regulatory work, investigations, animal management, livestock, compliance or customer service highly desirable. The role requires completion of relevant training and qualifications, and Council can support you to undertake these. A current NSW Class C Driver Licence and willingness to participate in the essential on-call roster are required.
If you’re proactive, people-focused, detail-oriented and ready for a career with purpose, variety and real community impact, we’d love to hear from you.
This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Selection criteria include:
- Demonstrated experience or strong interest in regulatory, compliance or law enforcement work.
- Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation, regulations and Council policies.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage conflict, negotiate outcomes and build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven problem-solving and investigation skills, including preparing reports, statements and evidence.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, plan tasks and manage competing priorities.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.
- Willingness to participate in an on-call roster for emergency compliance matters.
- Previous experience in animal handling and welfare.
It is a plus if you have qualifications in Local Government Regulatory Services, Animal Control, Investigations, or related field, experience in preparing briefs of evidence for court and appearing as a witness, and an understanding of local government operations, particularly in a rural/regional setting.
Why join Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire Council offers more than just a job — we provide the opportunity to build a stable, long-term career while enjoying genuine work-life balance, strong team support, and a rewarding regional lifestyle.
As part of Council, you’ll join a workplace that values professionalism, safety, collaboration, and continuous development, while supporting the essential services and infrastructure that keep our communities thriving.
Council offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing, career growth, and lifestyle, including:
- Long service leave available after 5 years
- Fortnightly RDO (9 day fortnight)
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Generous leave provisions
- Opportunities to purchase additional leave or access deferred leave arrangements
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online learning courses
- Weekly pay cycle
- Salary packaging options to help maximise your take-home pay
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and immediate family members
- Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations, hearing tests and skin cancer checks
- PPE and/or a generous uniform allowance provided, depending on the role
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community.
Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff, and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 6 September 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 14 September 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.