This is a permanent full-time position, salary from : $87,648 up to $102,533 per annum plus superannuation (Salary package will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications).

At Wollongong City Council we have a steadfast commitment to creating an Extraordinary Wollongong. We are in an exciting period of transformation and focused on delivering exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.

Our strength is the diversity of our people. Together our responsibility is to create an inclusive place where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. We lead with courage, openness and curiosity. Our conversations and actions celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging. Learn more about us here.

Wollongong City Council's Environment and Conservation Services Unit is looking for an experienced and qualified team member to join the team. This role involves overseeing the management of open spaces, including bushland and foreshore areas, supporting volunteer groups, and facilitating bush restoration efforts. In addition to these responsibilities, the role requires a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service, project management skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

We are seeking a resilient individual with a genuine passion for natural area conservation, environmental protection and customer service to join our team of dedicated professionals. The ideal candidate will bring both technical expertise and a proactive approach in managing natural spaces across the Local Government Area undertaking operational works and conservation.

Find out more about us here - Environment | City of Wollongong.

Some overtime and weekend work maybe required.

Under Part 2, Section 6 of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012, this position has been designated as requiring a NSW paid Working With Children Check.

This is a hands-on role, you must be physically fit and capable of undertaking duties as described in the job description.

What you will be doing:

• Support projects and programs relating to a range of natural area functions including restoration projects, volunteer programs and vertebrate pest species programs.
• Be responsible for project and contract management, supervision of contractors and volunteers as well as providing excellent customer service to the community.
• You will be required to work with and consult various stakeholders across the community and respond to customer requests; providing technical information and prioritising works in line with Council's values and priorities.
• You will work within a multi-disciplinary team that has a passion for Wollongong's natural areas, that aims to deliver services to the community.
• This role requires the undertaking of various administrative, operational and technical functions as related to the position.
• Responsibilities include procurement and contract supervision, community and volunteer facilitation, customer service, database management, grant funded project management, as well as providing technical and operational support as required.

About you

As a Natural Areas Officer, you'll bring your exceptional communication, organisation, and teamwork skills to engage a wide variety of internal and external customers. You're a natural 'people person' who thrives on uniting others in hands-on, meaningful conservation activities. With your qualifications, experience, and genuine passion for conservation and land management, you'll play a key role in preserving our natural spaces for future generations.

Benefits of working for council

• We provide flexible working arrangements such as hybrid working and flex- you just need to ask!
• 35 hour work week.
• We are value-led, support and encourage personal and professional growth, recognise and reward performance and embrace change.
• We provide generous leave provisions including 5 weeks annual leave per year of service Long Service Leave after 5 years We are committed to providing a safe working environment for all, (everyone, every day and everywhere) and make available wellbeing programs to support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our staff to be at their best.
• Access to Fitness Passport.

We encourage applications from everyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability or gender identity. People with disability are encouraged to reach out so they can be supported in recruitment processes, to enable them to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of the job.

Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.

Applicants are required to undergo an employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Criminal History and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.