Many people are involved in managing national parks including rangers, field officers, fire management officers, pest species control officers, researchers, surveyors, project officers, educators and administration staff. Staff work with the community to conserve and protect nature, Aboriginal heritage and historic heritage within NSW.

The NPWS manages almost 5 percent of NSW land including national parks, nature reserves, Aboriginal areas, historic sites, state recreation areas, state game reserves, marine parks and karst (cave) conservation areas.

The NPWS was established in 1967 and operates within the framework of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Wilderness Act 1987. It fosters natural and cultural heritage conservation. Some areas within NPWS reserved lands are also recognised as a World Heritage Area or Wilderness.

There are many issues which need to be considered by the NPWS when managing national parks and reserves. Some of these are:

A plan of management is prepared for each park and reserve. This provides the guidelines for managing the park or reserve. The plan is placed on public exhibition and interested groups and individuals are invited to comment and consult with the NPWS.