Position Background

The position is for three days a week. This time could be increased if and when additional funding is obtained. It is subject to a three month probationary period.

The Friends have been in existence for over thirty years and the role of the Environmental Coordinator has been central to the evolving activities of the Friends. This has involved working with a wide range of Government Departments and public agencies (including the DELWP, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water), community groups (including Landcare Groups), companies and, more recently, philanthropic trusts. Accordingly, the position requires high level administrative and communications skills, including demonstrated experience in proactive grant-seeking, writing and reporting.

An important element of the role of the Environmental Coordinator, from its inception, has been the planning and oversight of on-ground habitat restoration activity and ongoing monitoring of these works. Applicants for the position will need to show experience in project management in relation to such habitat restoration works. This includes the management of volunteer planters of a variety of ages (from primary schools to corporate groups) and backgrounds.

A third element of the Environmental Coordinator role is that of community outreach and education. In particular the Environmental Coordinator has carriage of the Friends’ Ambassador Programme of environmental education, with particular emphasis on the Helmeted Honeyeater, which is conducted in a number of local primary schools. However, the education component of the role also extends to engagement with students at secondary and tertiary education institutions and providing activities that are relevant to their needs.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory

• Minimum of a Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field and/or extensive relevant experience;
• Sound knowledge and experience in project management, particularly in relation to revegetation work, volunteer supervision and working with volunteers (minimum 1 year experience);
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Demonstration of full vaccination status.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and education, including excellent public speaking skills;
• Demonstrated experience and commitment in relation to threatened species conservation or allied conservation areas;
• Sound knowledge of indigenous plants and weed identification;
• Knowledge of the Helmeted Honeyeater and the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area;
• Level 2 First Aid Certificate or a commitment by the successful applicant to obtain such a certificate as soon as possible.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a “Working with Children” (WWC) and national police check if they do not have a current WWC certificate.