Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Field Officer - Victoria to join the South East team. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Work at our incredible reserves within Victoria.
• Location Flexible within Victoria - Broadford and surrounding area preferred, with ability to travel to other Victorian BHA reserves.
• $61, 913 - $68, 793 plus super (with opportunities for further growth).
• Part Time 0.6 FTE ongoing.

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact.

As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

Reporting to the Healthy Landscapes Manager (HLM) - Victoria, the Field Officer is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities associated with this position. The Field Officer will work with the HLM to ensure the day-to-day management of the Round House Reserve meets the goals of the Reserve Management Plan and support implementation of on-ground works across all of Bush Heritage Victorian Reserves. Reserve-based staff will manage and work in collaboration with non-reserve staff to contribute to the operation of the reserve.

Specifically, it is expected that the incumbent will have relevant work experience, hold required certification, undertake competency assessments, or will complete the following formal training over a 12-24 month period.

Essential

• ChemCert – agricultural chemical user accreditation and proven experience with backpack and motorised units.
• Chainsaw operations.
• First aid certificate.
• 4WD Skills.

Desirable

• Firearms license and use.
• Fire crew member training.
• Tractor operating and other machinery skills such as slasher, back blade rock buckets, ploughs.
• Other training as appropriate such as welding, basic fabrication, building infrastructure maintenance, road building, drainage, surface repair, basic mechanics, and fencing.

What you'll need to succeed

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage
• Demonstrated and practical work experience in land management and natural resource management
• Demonstrated experience in health and safety risk assessment procedures and requirements in a rural environment.
• High level of physical fitness to undertake required manual activities.
• Ability to undertake practical skills relating to mechanic, infrastructure, plant and equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member under both direct and remote supervision.
• Ability to collaborate, work well with and supervise staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors.
• Ability to communicate well in both written and oral forms.
• Current drivers’ licence with 4WD experience, first aid certificate, rural chemical user ACDC, basic firefighting and chainsaw certificates

Benefits

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.
• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.
• Employee affinity groups, such as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent people, and bird lovers.
• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.
• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids, additional annual leave and possible casual works arrangements for partners.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.
• Brand new Melbourne office in Docklands with access to state-of-the-art end of trip facilities and a gym.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria.

Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Tegan Hibberson (Healthy Landscape Manager - North Region) on tegan.hibberson@bushheritage.org.au using the subject line: Field Officer - Broadford / Victorian Reserves enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

A position description is attached.