ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

BASS COAST LANDCARE NETWORK (BCLN) - MISSION: EDUCATE - GROW - FEED

BCLN was formed in 2003 as an affiliation of 10 Landcare Groups, enabling a stronger position for investment from Federal, State and Local Governments and Corporate and Philanthropic sources. Through its Board of Management, BCLN manages and delivers a range of programs from natural resource management, sustainability, education, community events, biodiversity programs, pest plant and animal control, indigenous plant nursery and stakeholder/partnership programs. BCLN relies on a dedicated group of staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

JOB SUMMARY

Support the delivery of a diverse range of Natural Resource Management projects through site inspections, ecological monitoring, reporting, and coordination of on-ground staff and volunteers. Contribute to the implementation of projects including revegetation, weed management, wildlife monitoring, riparian rehabilitation, and mangrove restoration. Facilitate and support 1-2 Landcare groups while building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, community organisations, and local schools to encourage community engagement and environmental stewardship.

POSITION OBJECTIVES

• Support Bass Coast Landcare Network in delivering high-quality natural resource management projects across the Bass Coast region.
• Contribute to effective project delivery outcomes through strong organisation, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with government agencies, Councils, community groups, landholders, and corporate partners.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Melbourne Water Liveable Waterways contract as lead project assessor.
• Promote safe work practices and support compliance with workplace health and safety (WH&S) requirements across all activities.
• Support volunteer participation and community engagement through landcare planting days and related events.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and solutions-focused team culture within BCLN.
• Undertake additional duties as reasonably directed to support organisational priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS - NRM PROJECT OFFICER

• Undertake NRM project activities including site inspections, GIS mapping, budgeting, scheduling, monitoring, reporting, and community group facilitation.
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications, funding submissions, and project proposals.
• Deliver on-ground project works in collaboration with landcare members and community participants.
• Implement the Melbourne Water Liveable Waterways program through property assessments, auditing, GIS analysis, reporting, and landholder engagement.
• Conduct ecological monitoring activities including vegetation assessments, wildlife monitoring using infra-red cameras, and photopoint data collection through fulcrum software.
• Coordinate logistics and delivery of community and school planting events.
• Support the coordination of our Works Crew and external contractors alongside the NRM team.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal systems, workflows, and operational processes.
• Prepare landholder agreements, management plans, and aerial mapping products using Naturekit, QGIS, and weave software.
• Participate in stakeholder, community, and project meetings in a professional and constructive manner.
• Independently manage workload priorities and provide regular updates and reports to the executive general manager.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, records, and reporting outputs.
• Represent BCLN professionally and contribute to a positive organisational reputation within the community.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Biodiversity Coordinator

Supervises: NIL.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Relevant Tertiary qualification/s or working towards (E.g. Bachelor of Environmental Science/Diploma of Natural Resource Management/Certificate in conservation and Land management), or related field and / or relevant practical experience.
• Practical knowledge of rural/conservation works, including but not limited to revegetation, planting, weed removal etc.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Demonstrated successful ability to self-manage achieving performance based outcomes.
• Ability to respond to emails and other enquiries in a helpful and professional manner.
• Practical knowledge of indigenous and pest plant species, Ecological Vegetation Classes and conservation principles.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of OH&S requirements and applications.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitation of community and school groups.
• Physical capability to frequently perform manual tasks that may involve strenuous activity, repetitive action and work in an outdoor environment.
• Current driver's license.
• Current Working with Children Check.

The qualifications, skills and experience outlined in this position description are ideals to which the occupant will aspire. Unless specifically stated, are not absolutely essential.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Availability for weekend work at peak times may be required.
• A driver's license is required and access to a vehicle is required. BCLN will pay ATO kilometre reimbursement for travel.
• A medical may be required prior to starting with BCLN.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

• Bass Coast Landcare Network is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment and provides equal employment opportunities for current and prospective employees.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• A positive and friendly personality with the ability to engage with farmers
• Technical skills in GIS mapping, Microsoft Excel and data management tools.
• Relevant Tertiary qualification/s or working towards (E.g. Bachelor of Environmental Science/Diploma of Natural Resource Management/Certificate in conservation and Land management), or related field and / or relevant practical experience.
• Practical knowledge in identification of indigenous and pest plant species and maintenance practices used in conservation and land management.
• Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of OH&S requirements and applications.
• Ability to work independently and successfully implement, monitor and report on project outcomes.
• Drivers license (essential).
• Current Working with Children Check.

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive and other or additional duties may be required by the incumbent. All these additional or other duties will be in line with the current skill level and abilities of the incumbent.