The Field Officer 3-4 position at National Parks & Wildlife offers a unique opportunity to work within the Sydney Region’s Greater West, focusing on the ecological and cultural preservation of Dharawal, Dharug, and Gundungurra Country.
This full-time role involves various responsibilities such as pest and weed control, routine maintenance, and conservation efforts, all achieved alongside a committed team and under the guidance of senior field staff. It’s a chance to engage with the community while significantly contributing to the conservation of NSW’s diverse natural heritage, directly supporting initiatives aimed at sustainable environmental management.
In this role, you will enjoy a rewarding career in a stunning natural setting and play a vital part in protecting the environment and promoting educational engagement among park visitors. The challenges of this role present a chance to make a tangible impact in the field, ensuring a stronger connection between the community and their surrounding natural landscapes.
This guide, complete with an example cover letter, will help you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your unique qualifications and experiences.
If you’re new to public sector recruitment, you might find this unofficial guide to NSW Government applications helpful for understanding how the process works and what to expect.
Table of Contents
Field Officer 3-4 Salary and Overview
| Position Title | Field Officer 3-4 |
| Organisation | National Parks & Wildlife |
| Location | Sydney Region / Sydney – Greater West |
| Work Type | Full-Time |
| Base Pay | Field Officer Grade 3, $70,219 – $74,784 p.a. plus superannuation and 17% loading for weekends and public holidays |
| Closing Date | 21/07/2025 – 11:55 PM |
About the Field Officer Grade 3-4 Role at National Parks & Wildlife
The Field Officer Grade 3-4 position within the National Parks & Wildlife Service offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural significance of Dharawal, Dharug, and Gundungurra Country. Positioned in the Sydney Region’s Greater West, this role is about much more than just maintaining park grounds; it’s about playing a crucial part in preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of these areas.
As a Field Officer, your daily tasks will include pest and weed control, routine maintenance, conservation efforts, and more, all guided by senior field staff. The role also involves engaging with the community and addressing visitor inquiries, emphasising the agency’s commitment to public education and involvement. Operating with a team of dedicated staff, you will contribute directly to the National Parks & Wildlife Service’s mission to conserve NSW’s natural environment and biodiversity for future generations.
Under the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the National Parks & Wildlife Service leads with initiatives that support sustainable environmental management, ensuring that both cultural heritage and natural ecosystems are protected and celebrated.
Why the Field Officer Role is a Great Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the conservation of New South Wales’ natural and cultural heritage while enjoying a rewarding career.
- Work in a stunning natural setting on Dharawal, Dharug, and Gundungurra Country.
- Two full-time, permanent roles available
- Potential to join a recruitment pool for future opportunities over the next 12–18 months.
- Competitive pay and benefits, including superannuation and weekend loadings.
- Benefit from accrued days off in addition to annual leave and access to fitness and wellbeing programs.
- Career development opportunities with in-house training programs.
- Be part of a supportive team that values cultural connections and environmental stewardship.
Field Officer 3-4 Application Requirements
Candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for an interview for the Field Officer 3-4 position at National Parks & Wildlife.
National Parks & Wildlife Application Process
As part of your application, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Resume, Cover Letter: Expressing interest and suitability for the role.
There is no page limit for this cover letter. For this level role, I recommend writing a clear two-page cover letter aligned to the role requirements. You will need to give clear and specific examples that demonstrate you have the skills and experience needed to do this role.
To get started, you can use this free cover letter made specifically for government job.
What to Include in Your Field Officer 3-4 Application
Your cover letter must address the key requirements the panel is looking for. It is essential to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience align with job expectations.
| Skills/Experience | Source |
| Current Australian Class C Drivers licence or equivalent and four-wheel driving certification (capable to obtain) | Essential Requirements |
| Demonstrated ability and experience to carry out all duties safely and ability to obtain relevant SafeWork NSW certification | Essential Requirements |
| Ability and willingness to obtain a First Aid certificate | Essential Requirements |
| Certification, or ability to obtain certification within the probationary period (up to 12 months) in operating a chainsaw | Essential Requirements |
| Ability to operate two-way radio. | Essential Requirements |
| Ability to carry out frontline firefighting duties and support roles including ability to obtain and maintain certification as a crew member or higher | Essential Requirements |
| Willingness to fly in light aircraft. | Essential Requirements |
| Physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, and enjoy working outdoors as part of a team | About You |
Your cover letter should succinctly address these requirements, showcasing your qualifications and readiness for the role.
Candidate Profile for Field Officer 3-4
Jack is a highly skilled individual with over ten years of experience in the private sector, specialising in environmental management and conservation efforts. In roles such as Environmental Technician and Field Operations Manager, Jack has spearheaded numerous projects focusing on sustainable land management.
Recently, he led a team through complex terrain assessments, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while implementing sustainable practices. Jack is applying for the Field Officer 3-4 position at National Parks & Wildlife to leverage his extensive fieldwork experience and drive to conserve natural resources, seeking to contribute meaningfully to public land management.
Example Cover Letter for Field Officer 3-4 at NPWS
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Field Officer 3–4 position at National Parks and Wildlife Service.
With over a decade of experience in environmental management and a demonstrated commitment to conservation, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the protection and maintenance of our state’s natural assets.
I hold a current Australian Class C Driver Licence and am proficient in four-wheel driving, with the ability to obtain formal certification if required. I am confident in my ability to obtain and maintain relevant SafeWork NSW certifications and a First Aid certificate. I am also fully prepared to obtain chainsaw operation certification within the probationary period, having previously completed similar technical training in the private sector.
In my previous roles as Environmental Technician and Field Operations Manager, I regularly used two-way radios to maintain communication during field operations—particularly in remote or high-risk areas. I am familiar with radio operation protocols and understand the importance of clear, timely communication when coordinating team activities and responding to incidents.
I have extensive experience working safely in remote and rugged environments. For example, while managing a weed eradication program across a steep escarpment, I led a team responsible for accessing hard-to-reach locations over a three-week field rotation. The terrain included loose rock faces, dense undergrowth, and minimal vehicle access. To ensure safety, I conducted site-specific risk assessments each morning and implemented strict buddy systems and check-in protocols using handheld radios. I also ensured each team member had completed basic navigation and remote first aid training. Despite the physically demanding conditions, we completed the program ahead of schedule with no incidents. This outcome reflected careful planning, disciplined safety practices, and strong situational awareness in challenging field conditions.
I bring a strong understanding of environmental risk management and have experience supporting emergency response activities. For instance, during my time as Field Operations Manager, I was called to assist after a major storm event that caused significant treefall and erosion across a regional reserve. My role was to coordinate the rapid risk assessment and initial response to ensure public safety. I began by assessing immediate hazards such as unstable trees and washed-out tracks, then worked with local emergency services and rangers to establish exclusion zones and signage. I led a small team to clear priority access paths using chainsaws and hand tools, ensuring all work was carried out under strict safety protocols. As a result, we reopened safe sections of the reserve within 48 hours, helping restore access for emergency crews and the public while minimising further environmental damage.
I am physically fit, enjoy physically active work outdoors in all weather conditions, and am committed to obtaining and maintaining crew member certification to carry out frontline firefighting and support duties. I am also comfortable flying in light aircraft when required to access remote worksites or support aerial operations.
Teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to safety are at the core of my approach to fieldwork. I have led and supported diverse field teams, often in remote conditions, and take pride in my ability to remain calm, dependable, and focused under pressure. I believe these qualities align closely with the values and operational needs of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your important work and would welcome the chance to discuss how my background and qualifications align with your team’s goals.
Kind regards,
Jack
How to Use the STAR Method When Applying for a Field Officer 3-4 Role
The STAR Method, comprised of Situation, Task, Action, and Result, is a powerful technique used to articulate your professional experiences and achievements clearly and systematically. It is particularly important for NSW Government job applications, as it provides a structured format for cover letters, responses to target questions, and addressing selection criteria.
In the case of applying for the Field Officer 3-4 position, the STAR method can help you demonstrate your relevant experience and skills effectively. For instance, when Jack, a candidate with over ten years of experience in environmental management, applied for a similar position, used the STAR method in his application to highlight his capability in environmental risk management and emergency response.
- Situation: Following a major storm, Jack was tasked with coordinating an emergency response in a regional reserve impacted by significant treefall and erosion.
- Task: He needed to assess immediate environmental hazards and restore safe access for emergency crews and the public.
- Action: Jack conducted rapid risk assessments, set up exclusion zones, and led a small team to clear critical access paths using chainsaws and manual tools—all under strict safety protocols.
- Result: Within 48 hours, his team safely reopened priority areas of the reserve, minimising further environmental damage and enabling access for essential services.
This example directly reflects the demands of a Field Officer role—demonstrating Jack’s capacity to work safely in remote, rugged environments, respond effectively to emergencies, and lead field operations with sound judgment and resilience.
How to Prepare for a Government Interview for a Field Officer 3-4 Role
NSW Government interviews are structured and are all about capability-based questions, making the STAR method crucial for interview preparation. To prepare, look at the focus capabilities in the role description and start writing down question.
Likely Interview Questions for Field Officer 3-4
Use these questions to start preparing for your field officer interview.
- Tell us about a time when a task became particularly difficult or repetitive. How did you stay motivated and ensure the work was completed to a high standard? (Assesses: Staying motivated under pressure)
- Can you share an example of when you had to quickly adapt your existing skills to a new environment or task in the field? What did you learn from the experience? (Assesses: Adaptability and self-reflection)
- Describe a time when you had to explain a technical or safety-related procedure to someone unfamiliar with the task. How did you ensure they understood? (Assesses: Clear verbal communication and plain English)
- Describe a time you identified a problem during fieldwork that could have delayed progress. What steps did you take to resolve it? (Assesses: Problem identification and practical solutions)
You will want to prepare at least two different, clear, STAR method examples for each capability. If you would like my direct, one-on-one help preparing, book a practice interview session. I’ll formulate questions that are custom to the role you’re applying for, and give you a real interview experience. This will change the way you answer questions, and make you stand out.
Get Your Field Officer 3-4 Application Ready
If you are ready to apply, make sure to visit I Work for NSW to submit your application.
You can also make use of our free cover letter template to get started on your application. Plus, I offer expert feedback on draft cover letters, including unlimited revisions to help you craft the perfect letter. It is the easiest and best possible way to boost your application overnight.
If this sounds like your dream job, make sure you put your best self forward.
