The Gecko Landcare Network is seeking an enthusiastic NRM professional to work on-ground supporting our member Landcare groups.  The successful applicant will join a small team who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, supporting our Landcare volunteers and community and assisting our member groups to achieve their diverse projects and priorities. 

Based out of Benalla, this is a part-time (0.4FTE) role that requires the flexibility to attend evening meetings and weekend workshops.

If you have excellent communication skills, a passion to work with the community, be self-motivated, able to work independently and work well as part of a team, then this is the role for you.

About the Gecko Clan Landcare Network

The Gecko CLaN is a community Landcare Network that supports 14 member Landcare groups in a region stretching from Yarrawonga to the Strathbogie Ranges, and centrally includes the townships of Benalla and Euroa.  The Gecko CLaN is proudly independent and enjoys strong working relationships with government agencies and other community organisations.  The Gecko CLaN implements network scale projects around the themes of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.  The Gecko CLaN is overseen by a Board drawn from member groups.

About the position

The Gecko CLaN is seeking a person to fill the role of Landcare Facilitator - Maternity fill contract (0.4FTE).

Key responsibilities include:

1. Assist the Network and its member groups in developing and implementing projects that protect and enhance natural resources of the area.
2. Assist the Network and its member groups with strategic planning and provide advice where required to ensure progress is being made at the network and local level.
3. Assist in compilation and submission of grants and sourcing other funding opportunities.
4. Assist in the development and provision of workshops, field days and information sessions relating to Network and member group priorities.
5. Complete comprehensive reports to Local, State and Federal Government.
6. Assist in the promotion of the Landcare Network and member groups including managing website content, newsletter compilation, annual reports and advertising.
7. Continue to build relationships with other local groups, Networks and agencies to better share resources, strategies and project outcomes.
8. Project work as directed by the Executive Officer.
9. Provide monthly written reports to the Board and Executive Officer on achievement of work plans.

A full position description can be viewed below.

Key Selection Criteria

The key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.

Specialist/Technical Expertise

• Tertiary qualification(s) in community development, agriculture, natural resource management or similar field, are essential.
• At least three years relevant experience is desirable.

Landcare Experience and Natural Resource Management Knowledge

• A sound understanding of Landcare, and practical experience working with Landcare and environmental volunteer groups.
• Good knowledge of natural resource management and land management issues in the Gecko Clan’s area.

Stakeholder Management and Partnerships

• Demonstrated experience and ability working collaboratively with groups, government/agency staff, farmers, rural landowners, and community members to develop partnerships, plan projects, and deliver community engagement and capacity building events and activities.

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Highly developed written communication skills including the ability to write reports, papers and funding applications using clear, concise and grammatically correct language, with a high level of attachment to detail.
• Well-developed facilitation and presentation skills, including the application of group facilitation principles, theory and practice, and experience facilitating collaborative discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to update webpages/websites and to effectively use Facebook and other forms of social media.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Proven skills in the planning and delivery of community engagement and capacity building events and activities.
• Ability to source and disseminate land management information and advice to Landcare and Friends of groups, rural landowners and the wider community to build their knowledge about land management issues, and that foster the adoption of improved land management and sustainable agriculture practices.

Planning

• Experience developing strategic or action plans.
• Skills and experience necessary to undertake visits to rural landowners’ properties to discuss land management issues, provide advice and assist in developing property management plans to help address these issues.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in the planning of and securing funding for projects.

Computer & Mapping

• Excellent computer, office and administration skills, including the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and desktop publishing.
• Proven skills in the use GPS/GIS mapping hardware/software, including developing high-quality maps at rural property scale.

Organisational Skills

• Excellent organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills to efficiently plan, manage and organise workload to achieve set objectives within agreed timelines.
• A high level of self-motivation and a demonstrated ability to self-manage, work independently and unsupervised.