Hobsons Bay City Council is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Supervisor of Conservation and Environment Officer to join our Conservation Team.

Our municipality is a key destination for international migratory wading birds with Ramsar listed wetlands within our borders. We have highly valued grasslands, woodlands, salt marsh and mangrove communities, the diversity of habitats will be a major driver in this role.

This dynamic role will involve the supervision of a bush land crew to restore and maintain remnant and reconstructed landscapes. Ensuring staff deliver ongoing maintenance and project work safely whilst collaborating with the Team Leader of Conservation in the development, management, recording and storage of OH&S procedures.

The applicant must have a Trade Certificate in Natural Resource Management, or conservation, and or relevant on the job experience in conservation practices.

Applicants must have developed skills in identifying priority weeds, utilising best practice in weed management and abilities in supervising staff as it relates to Occupational Health and Safety best practices, particularly as it relates to staff working in the field.

The position is office based 50% and in the field 50% depending on work priorities.

Objectives of the role:

• To support, enhance and promote conservation assets through the supervision of weed programs, revegetation and restoration works.
• Work closely with the Team Leader of Conservation to prioritise safe work practices for best environmental outcomes.
• Support and liase with Councils Conservation Rangers to help deliver conservation objectives.
• Work, develop and foster relationships with external authorities to provide outcomes for key conservation goals.
• Work internally to deliver projects and programs through the Biodiversity Strategy and Pest Animal Management Plan.
• Continued park maintenance that promotes positive community relationships, with both passive and active open spaces.

The successful applicant will have:

• Essential - Team focused with a positive attitude.
• Essential - Qualifications and experience in conservation, natural resource management or relevant on the job experience in this field.
• Essential - Victorian Driver's licence - manual and 4WD experience beneficial.
• Essential - Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in working with the public and community groups.
• Highly Desirable - Demonstrated experiences in supervising staff in conservation reserves - weed control, revegetation, planting and general maintenance.
• Highly Desirable - Experience in pest animal management and communications, as it relates to control programs.
• Highly Desirable - Chemcert (ACUP licence).
• Highly Desirable - Ability to work on weekends to supervise on ground staff as required.
• Desirable - Chainsaw certificate and experience.
• Desirable - Current Working with Children Check.

Criteria required:

• Qualifications & experience in conservation, natural resource management and horticulture.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising weed control and revegetation programs.
• Proven ability in the operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of mechanical plant & equipment.
• Hold a current Victorian drivers licence.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a positive team environment.
• Strong commitment to customer focus.