About Merri Creek Management Committee (MCMC):

MCMC is a proud community-based organisation, supported by the community and our local government members. We live our values in our purpose, vision, and daily actions.

Our purpose - To ensure the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and the ecologically sensitive restoration, development, and maintenance of the Merri Creek and tributaries, their corridors and associated ecological communities.

Our vision - Merri Creek, its tributaries and its environs will be of high environmental quality and deeply treasured by the community.

About the Role

• Permanent full-time: 70 hours (9 days per fortnight)
• Location: MCMC office (hybrid working available)

Are you an ecological restoration practitioner with a passion for leading teams in the safe delivery of high-quality on-ground works? Do you love the Merri Creek as much as we do, and want to take a lead role in coordinating a team continuing decades of restoration efforts?

MCMC’s growing Ecological Restoration Team (currently ~25 staff) has a reputation for carrying out best practice on-ground works throughout the Merri Creek catchment and greater Melbourne. We pride ourselves on having a highly-skilled team of practitioners who have a strong passion for the Merri’s natural environment and the people who care for it. We are looking for an experienced and dedicated individual to help coordinate our team as it undertakes this industry-leading work.

A position description is attached with a more detailed description of the role and the Key Responsibilities.

About You:

• You’re passionate about our environment, and the important role that community-focused and supported organisations have in protecting and restoring significant environmental assets.
• You are experienced in leading teams to deliver best-practice ecological restoration projects at a variety of scales.
• You have a detailed knowledge of the Merri Creek and its tributaries and environs, and the community that supports and lives along the creek. You have worked extensively on the Victorian Volcanic Plains and have a deep understanding of the Plains’ flora, fauna, communities and key threats.
• You are a supportive leader, dedicated to fostering a positive, collaborative and passionate culture and work environment. You have an aptitude for mentorship and actively guiding your team’s professional development.
• You have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and are experienced in writing high quality reports for a range of audiences.

 Additional Benefits at MCMC:

• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home and a generous time in lieu policy.
• Training and professional development budget.
• Employee Assistance Program with included counselling sessions.
• Generous leave provisions including:
• Parental Leave - 14 weeks at full pay for primary carers and 3 weeks full pay for secondary carers
• Compassionate Leave - 5 additional days on top of sick leave per occasion for a family member or person of significance
• Paid study leave

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in natural resource management, biological or environmental sciences or similar
• Five years’ demonstrated experience in ecological restoration and vegetation management on the Victorian Volcanic Plains and adjoining bioregions.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, mentoring, and fostering a positive culture.
• Demonstrated experience and accreditation in planning and conducting ecological burns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with the community, clients, and staff from local, State and Federal government agencies and departments.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, with the ability to set clear priorities and delegate.
• Personal commitment to protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Desirable:

• Extensive knowledge of the Merri Creek, its tributaries and environs.
• Working knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, and their relevance to ecological restoration.
• Experience working with the community as a key stakeholder in ecological restoration and repair.
• Experience in the use of GIS systems.