Apace acknowledges and respects the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and pays our respect to the elders, past, present and emerging.

The Organisation

Apace WA is a community organisation with a vision for a greener planet and connected world. Our purpose is to advance environmental sustainability & amplify social cohesion. The 2024-2030 Strategic Plan is exemplified by innovation, diversification, and growth.

Incorporated in 1985, we began as a small group of local residents in North Fremantle, and researchers concerned about local engagement, the environment, and appropriate technology. Four decades later, we have become a renowned and respected non-government organisation.

We:

• Specialise in native plant propagation & seed management of the Swan Coastal Plain & Darling Scarp.
• Deliver environmental services to accelerate revegetation, restore biodiversity & preserve native plants.
• Generate environmental education and training programs and cultural exchange events.
• Provide workplace opportunities for people with differing backgrounds, life experiences or abilities so people feel connected, respected and valued.
• Promote social cohesion as the collective bond and unity between individuals and communities to catalyse trust and a sense of belonging.
• Provide community gardening opportunities for local residents.
• Strengthen advocacy and action for the protection of planet, plants and people.

Position overview

The purpose of your role is to manage the Apace conservation and revegetation services of Apace WA. You will lead a team of field technicians, who work collaboratively across all functions of the organisation. You will actively engage with staff, volunteers, partners, community and clients to promote the inspiration of Apace and ensure we meet our strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Management of Revegetation and Weed Control services

• Maintain a professional and financially viable commercial service for clients and partners.
• Develop annual workplans in accordance with the Apace Strategic & Operational Plans.
• Ensure services are delivered in line with the Nursery & Garden Industry Western Australia (NGIWA) guidelines and associated regulations, to ensure our certification status and reputation are upheld.
• Ensure accurate information systems management.
• Coordinate licensed seed collection in a variety of habitats, including seed processing and storage, in collaboration with the Apace Seed Bank, Seed Collection and Provenance Propagation Manager, as requested.

2. Contracts and Compliance

• Prepare and manage contracts for Apace WA, including requests for quotes or tenders.
• Monitor and supervise all chemical and manual weed control preparation and execution.
• Demonstrate exemplary hazardous chemicals control and storage.
• Monitor quality of native seedlings to be distributed across diverse habitats and localities in WA.
• Apply and demonstrate an understanding of policy, industry codes and legislation relevant to conservation and revegetation management in WA.

3. Human Resource Management and Supervision

• Provide guidance, hands-on training and quality work experience to staff and volunteers in your team.
• Oversee work health, safety and wellbeing conditions and risks at all locations where services are delivered or prepared.
• Ensure the wellbeing of staff in line with the Apace WHS&W Handbook and supporting policies.
• Induct staff joining the conservation and revegetation team.
• Assist in the preparing budgets, reports or presentations for the Board and General Manager as requested.

4. Public Relations and Promotion

• Engage with businesses and community to promote conservation and revegetation contracts.
• Respond to enquiries and provide technical, specialised advice to clients or prospective partners.
• Contribute articles about conservation and revegetation activities for social media and other promotional and marketing activities as requested.
• Maintain excellent client relationships.

5. Participation in Apace Sustainability

• Demonstrate willing participation and interest in the organisation and its strategic goals.
• Monitor Nursery Industry Accreditation Standards and bring attention to variation or new practice.
• Research and adopt best practice propagation and nursery practice methodologies.
• Generate regular risk monitoring reports for the General Manager in line with risk management policies.
• Participate in coordination & staff meetings, planning sessions and evaluations.
• Communicate and implement Apace policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate Apace values in action.

Competencies and Skills

• Qualifications in Horticulture or Conservation and Ecosystem Management, or relevant equivalency.
• In depth knowledge of the nursery and revegetation industry.
• Knowledge of the flora of Western Australia, in particular the Swan Coastal Plain and Darling Range.
• Ability to make technical decisions on plant nutrition, pest and disease control programs and chemical application.
• Experience in production forecasting to expected sales and production schedules.
• Understanding of predicted climate change impacts on revegetation activities in WA.
• Experience in leading teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff, customers, visitors, and volunteers.
• Analytical mind with problem solving skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team member and work unsupervised.
• Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and Xero.
• Skill and confidence working with custom databases.
• Manual driver’s licence.
• Pest Management Technician licence (or hold basic units of qualification required to obtain the licence).
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Working with children clearance.
• Police clearance.