EMPLOYMENT: Full-time

WORK LOCATION: Natural areas across South East Queensland and northern New South Wales, client sites and the FRE works depot/office

REPORTS TO: Company Director / Manager

WORK ARRANGEMENT: Initially approximately 80% field and site-based and 20% office and operational management

POSITION PURPOSE

The Assistant Manager - Field Operations is a hands-on leadership role responsible for supporting the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of ecological restoration projects. The position leads and works alongside field teams, coordinates day-to-day site delivery, monitors project performance and supports planning, reporting, client communication and operational management. The role provides a pathway toward greater project and operations management responsibility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Leadership and Project Delivery

• Lead, supervise and work alongside ecological restoration and bush regeneration crews.
• Take responsibility for day-to-day delivery of allocated projects, including work quality, productivity, site presentation and progress against allocated hours.
• Provide practical direction on weed management, assisted natural regeneration, revegetation and other restoration techniques.
• Conduct site inspections and assess upcoming, active and completed projects, identifying issues, additional works, required resourcing and potential variations promptly.
• Mentor field supervisors, technicians and developing team members and promote a professional, cooperative and accountable team culture.

Safety, Environment and Compliance

• Ensure SWMS, risk controls, environmental requirements, chemical procedures, client specifications and relevant legislation are understood and followed.
• Lead by example in WHS, PPE use, incident and near-miss reporting, equipment safety and environmentally responsible work practices.
• Maintain high standards of native plant and environmental weed identification and ecological restoration best practice. 

Operations, Resources and Communication

• Support staff scheduling and coordinate vehicles, equipment, chemicals, plants and other project resources.
• Liaise professionally with clients, contractors and landholders on site and by phone or email.
• Review field records, photographs, maps and project documentation and assist with progress and completion reporting.
• Support labour and resource estimates for quotations and tenders following site assessments.
• Assist with operational planning, continuous improvement and other reasonable duties consistent with the position.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

• Substantial practical experience in ecological restoration, bush regeneration or natural area management.
• Demonstrated experience supervising field crews, leading projects or coordinating site works.
• Strong native plant and environmental weed identification skills, with sound knowledge of herbicide application and ecological restoration techniques in line with best practice.
• Ability to organise work, manage competing priorities, solve practical problems and take responsibility for project outcomes.
• Confident and professional communication with staff, clients, contractors and landholders.
• Good written communication, basic computer skills and the ability to complete accurate field and project records.
• Current driver's licence and capacity to undertake the inherent physical and outdoor requirements of a predominantly field-based role.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Qualifications in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, ecology, environmental science or a related field are highly regarded. First Aid, chemical application, White Card, chainsaw, 4WD, GIS/mapping, high-level plant identification and other relevant industry qualifications are desirable. Rope access skills are advantageous but not essential.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Performance will be assessed against safe and compliant work practices; ecological and workmanship standards; project delivery within allocated time and resources; quality of leadership, communication and records; care of vehicles and equipment; and contribution to team and operational improvement. A formal performance and remuneration review will be conducted after six months.

Mentoring and training will be provided to support the successful applicant’s transition into the role.

• See the position description attached below for further information about this role.