Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
Discovery Ranger
Statement of Duties
Position number:
Up to 12 positions
Award/Agreement:
Tasmanian State Service Award
Classification level:
General Stream, Band 2
Division/branch/section:
Visitor Strategy Branch
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): hours will vary, employed on a roster basis
Location:
Various State-wide
Employment status:
Fixed-Term
Ordinary hours per week:
Minimum 100 hours per annum
Minimum 50 hours per annum for employees selected for
Penguin roles.
Supervisor:
Interpretation/Education Officer or Ranger in Charge or
Ranger at designated Field Centre
Position Objective
Provide interpretive, educational and engagement services to enhance reserve visitor
experience and increase student and community understanding of reserves, and their natural
and cultural heritage values.
Major Duties
 Provide and coordinate information, interpretation, advice, assistance and engagement
activities for reserve visitors to enhance visitor experience and increase understanding of
reserves, and their natural and cultural heritage values.
 Provide in-school and in-field education activities in response to curriculum-based requests
from schools, for day or part-day engagements at schools or in the field, and possibly for
multi-day engagements at school camps.
 Assist with the organisation and conduct of special events and community engagement
activities, attendees at which may include people from diverse backgrounds, including
migrants and Aboriginal Tasmanians. Assist with visitor service and reserve management
activities.
 Compile progress reports and final report on activities undertaken, and attendance at
them, at completion of Summer Discovery Program.
 Provide, to designated responsible staff, materials and articles for use on social media sites,
websites and in other promotional media.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
Statement of Duties: Discovery Ranger
 Assist with reserve management and site maintenance activities including some visitor
reception duties.
 Part-time penguin & shearwater Discovery Rangers are also employed over summer to
deliver presentations on these two bird species and engage with visitors at the Bruny Island
Neck Game Reserve and Lillico Beach Conservation Area.
 The Summer Program may include multi-day engagements on commercial cruise vessels.
Responsibility, Decision-Making and Direction Received
The occupant of the position is responsible for:
 Representing the Parks and Wildlife Service in direct dealings with the public in a
professional and courteous manner.
 Developing and delivering a program of activities for reserve visitors as part of the Summer
Discovery Program, in consultation with Community Program Section designated
personnel. In most cases the Discovery Ranger is required to work alone in planning and
conducting activities and is required to use initiative and make judgements remote from
sources of advice.
 Delivering ad-hoc educational visits to school students relevant to curriculum needs and
key reserve management messages as identified by designated staff in the Community
Programs Section
 Maintaining good working relationships and work effectively as a team member.
 Ensure a safe working environment by complying with relevant Work Health and Safety
(WHS) legislation, codes of practice and policies, procedures and guidelines issued under
the Department’s WHS Management System.
 Receive direction and guidance on program priorities and interpretive methods from
designated staff in the Community Programs Section.
 Whenever possible, attend school and special events at other times of the year as
coordinated by the designated staff in the Community Programs Section.
The decision making and direction received in relation to the role are:

Initially, receive detailed instructions on established techniques, methods, priorities and
timeframes. As a Discovery Ranger’s experience increases, detailed instructions are
limited to unusual requirements which do not have clear guidelines or precedents.
Independent decision-making and initiative regarding the planning and completion of tasks
and achievement of outcomes is expected to increase with experience and is vital to
success in the role.

Some interpretation, modification or adjustment of accepted practices, methods or
standards may be required to achieve specified outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria)
(in relation to the Major Duties)
 Knowledge and experience in the development and conduct of interpretive, engagement
and educational activities and public presentations.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
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Statement of Duties: Discovery Ranger
 A good working knowledge of Tasmania’s reserves, natural heritage and cultural heritage
 Good communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with a
wide range of people with differing interests and from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
 Ability to deal effectively with challenging behaviour and to gain cooperation and trust of
others quickly and working effectively as a team member.
 The ability to make independent decisions and use initiative in the achievement of
outcomes
 Well developed organisational skills, including the ability to set priorities and manage
variable workloads for the planning and completion of tasks.
 For those wishing to be considered for the Penguin and Shearwater programs at Bruny
Island, Lillico Beach and Cape Deslacs, please also relate your application to relevant
knowledge and experience of Tasmania’s sea birds.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Registration to “Work with Vulnerable People” as required under the Registration to
Work with Vulnerable People Act 2013.
The Director, State Service Management Office has determined that the person nominated
for this position is to satisfy a pre-employment check before taking up the appointment,
promotion or transfer.
The following checks are to be conducted.
1.
Conviction Check

Crimes of violence

Sex related offences

Serious drug offences

Crimes involving dishonesty (e.g. theft, burglary, breaking and entering, fraud)
2.
Identification Check.
3.
Disciplinary Action in Previous Employment Check.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
 A current motor vehicle drivers’ licence.
DEPARTMENT’S ROLE:
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
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Statement of Duties: Discovery Ranger
The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE)
is responsible for the sustainable management and protection of Tasmania’s natural and
cultural assets for the benefit of Tasmanian communities and the economy. The Department’s
activities guide and support the use and management of Tasmania’s land and water resources
and protect its natural and cultural environment. The Department is also responsible for
delivering the services that support primary industry development and the protection of the
State’s relative disease and pest-free status.
The Parks & Wildlife Service Division is responsible for managing Tasmania’s parks and
reserves and for protecting the State’s unique natural heritage while at the same time providing
for the sustainable use and economic opportunities for the Tasmanian community.
The Department’s website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au provides more information.
Work Environment
Employees work within an environment that supports safe work practices, diversity and equity
with employment opportunities and ongoing learning and development. We are committed to
valuing and respecting each other as colleagues and peers. We value the diverse backgrounds,
skills and contributions of all employees and treat each other and our customers with respect.
We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or bullying in the workplace.
There is a strong emphasis on building leadership capacity throughout DPIPWE.
The expected behaviours and performance of the Department’s employees and managers are
enshrined in the State Service Act 2000 through the State Service Principles and Code of
Conduct. These can be located at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/ssmo
Medical examination
The Discovery Ranger role will require the occupant to work outdoors at times in remote
locations. To meet working responsibilities, in line with agency policies and procedures, the
Discovery Ranger will be required to provide a statement of health from a General
Practitioner and an approved medical disclosure.
Special Employment Conditions
The Discovery Ranger will be offered a minimum of 100 hours paid employment annually,
with additional hours determined by availability and funding.
Discovery Rangers will be assigned to a particular reserve, field centre or location during the
Summer Discovery Program. This location may be anywhere within Tasmania, including in
isolated locations and may include posting TT Line Spirit of Tasmania. In some locations,
accommodation will be shared with other Parks and Wildlife Service staff.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
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Statement of Duties: Discovery Ranger
After the completion of the Summer Discovery Program, Discovery Rangers may be asked to
undertake duties in school and community facilities or at community events throughout the
course of the year. Their availability and willingness to do so are considered to be valuable
attributes.
The Discovery Ranger will be required to:
 Work weekend and public holidays in accordance with a roster during the Summer
Discovery Program and as necessary for the delivery of the event or activity at other
times. There is also a requirement to perform some activities in the evening.
 Obtain and maintain a First Aid Certificate and perform first aid duties.
 Attend an induction and training session held in Hobart prior to the commencement
of the Summer Discovery Program.
Salary and entitlements will be paid in accordance with the State Service General Award and
the Parks and Wildlife Service Industrial Agreement 2009.
Approved:
Date: 26/9/2016
for Secretary
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
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