From building walking tracks in the Snowy Mountains to travelling to Canada in 2017 to help fight wildfires, no two days with the National Parks and Wildlife Service are ever the same for Emily Smith.
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"I've helped to construct mountain bike trails, been winched out of a helicopter and even gently re-directed a curious dolphin that got a bit too close to humans at Manly Beach," the Gloucester-based NPWS field supervisor said.
Now, NWPS is calling on women in the Hunter Central Coast area to work alongside Ms Smith in one of 125 new roles on offer across the state.
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Ms Smith said a typical day for her could involve working to prepare an area of the Worimi Conservation Lands for hazard reduction burning, jumping on the bob cat to maintain asset protection zones around homes, campgrounds and sensitive environmental areas in Barrington Tops National Park, and talking to neighbours in Booti Booti about the fire mitigation activities happening in the national park.
"My job is never boring and the opportunities for learning and development are endless. In the last 12 months I've done training in project management and asset management systems as well as my helicopter safety accreditation, chainsaw training and winch training," she said.
There are roles available at a range of levels and NPWS Hunter Central Coast Director Kylie Yeend said for women considering a career with National Parks that now was the time to apply.
"Our field officers are out in our region's glorious National Parks every single day, maintaining and improving visitor facilities, roads, fire trails, camping areas, historic sites and recreational facilities," Ms Yeend said. "They're involved in pest and weed control and play a critical role in hazard reduction works and wildfire response."
"From the Central Coast up to Taree and out to Scone, if you love our region's national parks and are looking for a hands-on role where you can make a real difference to their conservation, apply for a role with NPWS."
Applications are invited from people of all genders and many of the roles are targeted for employment of Aboriginal people. Recruitment is open until Monday, July 6. Further information about the roles is available at I work for NSW, where applications may be submitted.
This recruitment is supported by $22.9 million in funding committed by the NSW Government as an interim budget boost ahead of the next bushfire season. Further information is available online.
