Organisation Profile

The Hunter Region Landcare Network (HRLN) was formed in 1998 as a voluntary association of Landcare groups in the Hunter Region.   HRLN aims to support the needs of volunteer Landcare groups by providing information, resources and on-ground support. HRLN also acts as a voice for Landcarers across the region and promotes best practice in land management that enables positive outcomes for the environment.

Position/Role Objectives

The Regional Landcare Coordinator (RLC) is responsible for building partnerships with state, regional and district organisations to increase awareness and raise the profile of Landcare in NSW and increase funding to facilitate regional and district projects.

The RLC will collaborate with the HRLN committee and staff, Landcare groups, Local and State Government representatives and other external organisations in the region, including Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal organisations, to network and form partnerships that will deliver on the target outcomes of the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2024-27 (LEP3).

By strengthening the Landcare network at a regional level, the RLC works with the Local Landcare Coordinators (LLC) to empower local Landcare groups.  The RLC helps to build an organisational culture of community inclusivity that encourages people to participate in Landcare activities and increases the capacity of volunteers.

The RLC has responsibilities to report on LEP3 outcomes and manage events and budgets associated with Regional Community of Practice and regional events such as the Hunter Landcare Muster.

The RLC will participate in the State Advisory Council (SAC) of Landcare NSW Council, assisting the Hunter and Mid Coast Landcare Hub Chair.

Key Deliverables of the Regional Landcare Coordinator:

Facilitate regional delivery and partnerships:

• represent Landcare in the Hunter region to achieve the strategic outcomes of LEP3.
• manage priorities and goals relating to the Strategic Plan of the Hunter region to ensure the network is on-track to meet outcomes.
• stimulate regional and district community engagement and participation in Landcare.
• undertake and support regional initiatives.
• develop and support the implementation of the Regional Priority Plan.
• support the LEP3 Aboriginal Partnerships Project.
• support regional Communities of Practice activities and projects.

Advocacy

• represent HRLN to the Landcare NSW Statewide Advisory Committee.
• stakeholder engagement - the RLC works with a range of stakeholders including Local Land Services, Local Government and other relevant organisations.
• raise the profile of Landcare within the Hunter region.
• work with local Landcare groups to determine priority actions.

Leadership

• be a conduit between the LEP3 team and HRLN.
• maintain regular communication with HRLN staff to support program outcomes.
• be proactive in seeking out strategic opportunities across the Hunter region.

Program and regional body reporting

• monitor, evaluate and report on regional activities and outcomes.

Competencies

Essential skills and experience

• has strong interest in, and commitment to, local environmental and agricultural land management issues.
• experience in natural resource management, environmental science, sustainable agriculture or similar.
• strong communication skills both oral and written.
• strong time management and work efficiency skills.
• is proactive with a community-minded attitude.
• has experience in grant writing for successful outcomes.
• has excellent networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
• sound coordination, administration, and computer skills.
• sound project management skills.
• is flexible about their working hours/days over the period of employment.
• technical skills: highly competent digital skills across a variety of platforms, ability to use digital tools and databases to manage information systems, budgets and projects effectively.

Role information

Location

HRLN serves the Hunter Region of NSW across nine Local Government Areas of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Upper Hunter, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Port Stephens.  The successful candidate will work across the Hunter Region and be based at the Landcare Office at Shortland in Newcastle.  

Classification/Tenure

Part-time position of 35 hours per fortnight, contracted until June 2027.  There will be a six-month probationary period for the role. The position is funded via the NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2024-27 (LEP3), which is jointly managed by Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.

Remuneration

Commensurate with experience, up to $48,994.40 per annum plus superannuation.  There may be additional project work available subject to grants and the candidate’s experience and availability.

Reporting/Supervsion arrangements

Position reports directly to a representative of HRLN.

Selection Criteria

Please address each of the following criteria:

1. Sound understanding of natural resource management issues in the region and empathy with the local community.
2. Demonstrated well developed written and oral communication skills, including competency in the use of Word, Excel, email, Adobe, and the internet.
3. Proven expertise in project planning, time management, record keeping and report writing and grant writing.
4. Has completed relevant tertiary qualifications such as Environmental Science or Agricultural Science.
5. Proven ability to proactively problem solve in a diverse range of situations.
6. Proven ability to work with Government agencies, community groups and landholders, including Indigenous groups.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision, use initiative and work as part of a team.
8. Ability and willingness to work outside office hours from time to time, to contact landholders and attend community group meetings.
9. Ability to travel from time to time.
10. Current Driver’s License and licensed and insured vehicle.

Additional Information

HRLN is an equal opportunity employer, with employment under the organisation’s standard employment agreement.

Attendance at meetings outside of normal work hours may be required.

Travel around the region and infrequent travel and overnight stays may be required.

You will be required to use your own vehicle for work purposes and provide a copy of current Comprehensive, or at least Third Party Property, insurance policies for your vehicle.  Vehicle use will be reimbursed on a per kilometre basis at standard SCHADS Award rates.