Coordinator Rangers, Emergency Management and Community Safety in Derby

Shire of Derby/West Kimberley encompasses the towns of Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Camballin, and 54 Aboriginal Communities throughout the region. Living in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing offers a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle, with a wide range of leisure activities such as exceptional fishing, boating, sightseeing, community events, and sports. The locals are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making it easy to feel at home. This region is also home to breathtaking and untouched wilderness areas, including the iconic Buccaneer Archipelago, Gibb River Road, Fitzroy River, and Geikie Gorge. If you’re eager to experience the beauty of the wet season and immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous culture, this is the perfect opportunity.

At the Shire, we value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community. We encourage and celebrate diversity, welcoming applications from Aboriginal people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, women, individuals of all ages, people with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Benefits of Working in the Shire:

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to nature and outdoor activities, allowing for a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Cultural Enrichment: Gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture by working closely with local communities and participating in cultural events.
• Natural Beauty: Be surrounded by stunning landscapes and explore some of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas during your time off.
• Community Spirit: Join a close-knit, welcoming community where you can form lasting friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging.
• Personal Growth: Experience living and working in a unique environment that fosters both personal and professional development.
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave: Benefit from an extended leave package, giving you more time to relax and recharge.
• Up to 7% Council-Matching Super Contributions: Boost your retirement savings with generous employer contributions.
• Novated Leasing: Enjoy the convenience and tax advantages of novated leasing for your vehicle.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access professional support for your mental health and well-being.
• Free Pool Entry: Enjoy free access to the local pool following your probation period, encouraging an active lifestyle.

If you're ready to embark on a rewarding adventure in one of Australia’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions, apply now!

Description:

Lead from the front. Protect the community. Live the Kimberley. If you’re a ranger who takes pride in doing the job properly, backs your judgement, and wants a role where your experience genuinely counts, this may be the right next step. Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is seeking an experienced ranger to lead our Ranger Services team and take responsibility for emergency management coordination and community safety across a large and diverse region. This is a senior role, but it’s still very much connected to the work on the ground.

About the Role:

This position is about leadership, consistency and presence. You will coordinate ranger operations across the Shire, support and guide the Ranger Services team, and ensure compliance, safety and community standards are maintained fairly and professionally. The work spans animal management, patrols, investigations, enforcement, emergency preparedness and community education.

Your day‑to‑day will include:

• Coordinating ranger patrols and rosters across Derby and Fitzroy Crossing
• Applying and enforcing legislation such as the Dog Act, Cat Act, Bush Fires Act, Litter Act and Local Government Act
• Managing animal control matters and overseeing the Animal Management Facility
• Responding to issues like illegal dumping, illegal camping, abandoned vehicles, firebreak compliance and cyclone readiness
• Preparing statutory notices and court documentation and representing the Shire when required
• Supporting emergency management planning, compliance inspections and response activities
• Working alongside DFES, WA Police, government agencies and local stakeholders

It’s a role that requires sound judgement, calm decision‑making and the ability to lead by example.

What You'll Be Doing:

This role is well suited to someone who has spent time in ranger or regulatory services and is ready to step into a leadership position without losing touch with the field side of the work. You’ll be comfortable:

• Making enforcement decisions and standing behind them
• Explaining the “why” to members of the community
• Supporting and supervising a small team across a wide area
• Working independently and managing competing priorities
• Dealing with challenging situations in a measured, professional way

Experience in regional or remote environments is helpful, but above all, we’re looking for someone practical, steady, and fair.

The Kimberley Lifestyle:

The role is based in Derby, with planned travel to Fitzroy Crossing, including occasional overnight stays. The roster includes weekends and after‑hours work, reflecting the realities of emergency management and ranger operations. Outside of work, the Kimberley offers something few places can, fishing, camping, remote country, big skies and space to breathe. For the right person, it’s a lifestyle as much as a job. You’ll be supported by an organisation that understands ranger work and values experienced people who do it well. The position comes with a competitive local government salary, regional allowances, housing provided in line with policy, and the stability of a permanent role. Most importantly, you’ll be trusted to do your job to lead, to make decisions, and to make a visible difference in the community.

To Apply:

To apply submit a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the selection criteria and a current resume with two relevant professional references through the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley career portal. Shortlisting may occur sooner.

Skills And Experiences:

Essential:

• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation (Dog Act, Cat Act, Local Government Act, Litter Act, Bushfires Act etc.)
• Experience in emergency management coordination and community safety initiatives.
• Proven leadership and team coordination skills, including rostering and supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with conflict resolution ability.
• Experience in investigations, enforcement, and legal document preparation.
• Good administrative skills with accurate record-keeping and report writing.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel, including overnight stays.
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in Ranger or Regulatory Services.
• Current WA 'C' class driver's licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain National Police Clearance and Working with Children Check.

Desirable:

• Experience in regional or remote local government settings.
• Training or experience in emergency incident management (e.g., AIIMS).
• Knowledge of animal welfare practices and facility operations.