* Ongoing, full-time leadership role based in the Southern Mallee * Competitive salary with a progressive organisation managing a diverse estate of parks, reserves and community facilities on behalf of all Victorians * See our Careers Page for more information what we can offer About the role As the Area Chief Ranger (ACR) – Southern Mallee, you will be responsible for operational leadership within the Southern Mallee area, ensuring the delivery of high quality and timely park management functions. Reporting to the Regional Director, you'll lead and oversee park operations, team performance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and emergency response coordination. You'll provide advice and support to senior executives and government in addition to guidance to Ranger Team Leaders. You will act as a key conduit between Parks Victoria and the community, Traditional Owners, and government partners - ensuring local services align with regional and organisational goals. This is a critical leadership position, combining operational oversight with strategic thinking, people leadership and strong partnership-building. About the Broader Region Extending from Mildura in the north to Maryborough in the south, and from Macedon in the east to the South Australian border in the west, the Northwest Victoria Region includes the population centers of Bendigo, Echuca, Mildura and Swan Hill and more than 1.5 million hectares parks and reserves. This includes Greater Bendigo National Park, Murray-Sunset National Park and Wyperfeld National Park, as well as iconic sites like the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. We're looking for someone with: * Demonstrated experience in senior operational leadership roles in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, preferably in public land management * Proven ability to build and engage a high performing, capable and customer focussed workforce * Demonstrated an integrated approach to service delivery to achieve organisational objectives in an efficient and effective way * Proven ability in establishing organisational frameworks, systems, processes and capabilities to support strategy aligned performance excellence * Proven track record in stakeholder and community engagement across complex environments Your application will need to include: * A Current Resume * A Cover Letter including a response to the Key Selection Criteria, no more than 2 pages Application Close date: Sunday, 15 February 2026 Sound like you? For a confidential discussion about the role, call Chris Mitchell on 0477965076 or apply online! If you don't hold every skill or experience detailed above, please don't rule yourself out. We focus on hiring people who value collaboration and integrity. We value a culture where everyone can be themselves at work, regardless of background, orientation, age or gender. If this resonates with you, then please consider applying or getting in touch to discuss. Employment Requirements Parks Victoria is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children, in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. All prospective employees to undergo a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.