Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Field Officer - Scottsdale and Tarcutta Reserves to join the Southeast team. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation
• Work at Scottsdale and Tarcutta Reserves in NSW
• 1 FTE is $66, 293 - $81, 024 (pro rata for part time 0.9 FTE) plus 12% super
• Part time, 0.9 FTE (34.2hrs, 4.5 days per week), ongoing

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

The Field Officer will be based at Scottsdale Reserve and will work across both Scottsdale and Tarcutta Reserves, with the majority of their time spent at Scottsdale. The Field Officer will report to and work under the supervision of each Reserve Manager to ensure the day-to-day management and overall operation of the Reserves are met.

It is expected that the incumbent will have relevant work experience and hold required certification (or willing to acquire formal qualifications) in many of the following areas:

• Minimum of Cert III Conservation and Ecosystem Management or equivalent
• Chemcert – agricultural chemical user accreditation and proven experience with backpack and motorised units
• First aid certificate and basic field safety training
• 4WD and recovery training and experience
• Plant and animal identification, pest and weed management.
• Plant propagation, nursery maintenance and seed collection
• Data collection, basic mapping and outcomes-based reporting
• Revegetation and or bush regeneration techniques
• Fencing
• Chainsaw operations
• UTV competency and experience
• 1080/Pindone authorisation and experience
• Tractor competency and experience operating machinery
• Small engine maintenance and basic mechanical skill
• Basic Fire crew training
• Working with vulnerable people

Download Position Description>>

What you'll need to succeed 

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.
• Demonstrated and practical experience in land conservation or sustainable agricultural land management practises.
• Demonstrated experience in managing risk and ensuring safe practices are practised in a rural environment.
• High level of physical fitness to undertake required manual activities.
• Ability to undertake practical skills relating to infrastructure, plant and equipment maintenance, weed control, propagation and revegetation. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a part of a member, as well as experience in working in remote and rural areas.
• Experience in working with and supervising other staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors.
• Ability to communicate well in both written and oral forms.
• Current drivers’ licence with 4WD experience, first aid certificate, rural chemical user ACDC, tractor operations and plant identification skills.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement of employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning. 

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. 

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Phil Palmer (Reserve Manager Scottsdale) on phil.palmer@bushheritage.org.au or Kelly Price (Reserve Manager Tarcutta) on kelly.price@bushheritage.org.au 

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Don't miss out! Apply now!

Applications close: Sunday the 27th of July at 11:30pm AEST.