Biodiversity Officer

Our client is a large council located in Western Suburbs who a seeking a Biodiversity Officer (Ecologist) for a one year contract. Rate of $47.45 per hour + super plus $160.00 per week car allowance.

Essential
- Tertiary qualifications in Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science or equivalent
- Senior Biodiversity Officer (Ecologist)
- Practical experience and detailed knowledge in ecology, wildlife management, botany and other relevant fields
- Demonstrated experience in the provision of strategic advice on biodiversity conservation matters, including review and preparation of REFs, SEPPs, LEPs, DCPs and other relevant planning policies
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of reviewing biobanking assessments, offsetting and Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARS)
- Experience managing projects and consultants.

Desirable
- Accreditation as a Biodiversity Assessment Method Assessor - BAM Assessor or eligible for accreditation
- Experience working in local government
- Qualifications or experience in Natural Area Restoration (Bush Regeneration)
- Detailed understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements including those provided under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Position specific
- Act as Council’s principal ecological officer including representing Council in legal proceedings where required
- Undertake ecological assessments of nominated sites to inform development assessment processes
- Provide strategic advice to inform biodiversity conservation policies and programs
- Recommend and implement enhancements to Council policies with regard to ecology and biodiversity conservation
- If this role is identified as a position which undertakes coordination of volunteer programs as well as the supervision of volunteers when they are on site (not including work experience placements) you will be required to:

- Familiarise yourself with our Volunteers policy and standard
- Implement the policy and follow this Managing Volunteers standard in a consistent and fair manner
- Undertake training needed to effectively coordinate volunteers
- Allocate sufficient time to volunteer coordination.

DUTIES
- Contribute to the implementation of strategic biodiversity outcomes as outlined in the Councils adopted Biodiversity Strategy
- Undertake review of ecological assessments, Bushland Management Plans, Vegetation Management Plans, REFs, SIS and other environmental assessment reports
- Provide recommendations and establish conditions of consent with relation to ecological matters for development proposals
- Other tasks as directed by the Natural Areas Coordinator or Manager Open Space Maintenance
- Volunteer management duties, if applicable
- Other duties as directed consistent with the operations of Council

Covid19 Vaccinations including Booster

**Job Types**: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 12 months

**Salary**: $47.00 - $48.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Blacktown NSW: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Bachelor Degree (preferred)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)