How to become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger
Combines traditional ecological knowledge with conservation training and western science to protect and manage land, sea and culture on the lands and waters on which they are culturally authorised to operate.
Main tasks
- Undertakes biodiversity monitoring and threatened species management programs using scientific techniques coupled with traditional ecological and cultural knowledge
- Conducts cultural burning and wildfire suppression
- Shares traditional skills and knowledge in partnership with research, education, philanthropic and commercial organisations to contribute to environmental research and activities
- Engages with visitors and community groups to facilitate traditional knowledge transfer and increase cultural awareness
- Provides cultural and heritage site management
- Undertakes weed and feral animal control and environmental regeneration activities
- Monitors waters and controls marine debris such as ghost nets
- May participate in biosecurity and fisheries compliance activities
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC40924); Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC51120); Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC60422); Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work (AHC32522); Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (AHC31424); Certificate III in On Country Management (AHC31522)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $101,556 a year
- About 31,500 people work in this job group now, and about 36,800 are projected by 2035. (+16.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management; Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
How much does an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $101,556 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 31,500 to about 36,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger?
Not always. 33% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management; Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Will AI change the work of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land and Sea Ranger?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04