Senior Biodiversity Planning Officer

Overview

Applications Close: 1 October 2025 Senior Biodiversity Planning Officer Permanent full-time Hours: 35 hours a week + VDO every 19 days + WFH Opportunities Leaseback Vehicle Option Salary: $112,733.66 - $131,014.78 + 12% Superannuation per annum

Ready to use your ecological expertise to shape sustainable development and protect one of NSW’s most unique natural environments? Join us as a Senior Biodiversity Planning Officer and help drive real environmental impact at Wingecarribee Shire Council.

What you’ll do

As a Senior Biodiversity Planning Officer, you will report to the Coordinator Natural Resource Projects and play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of biodiversity planning within Wingecarribee Shire Council. You’ll provide expert technical advice and lead the assessment of development applications to ensure the protection and enhancement of the Shire’s natural assets and ecological values. This role is central to the ongoing improvement of Council’s Environment function and contributes to proactive, sustainable management of biodiversity across the region. Working within a team of dedicated environmental professionals, you will model Council’s values, behaviours, and Code of Conduct while delivering meaningful outcomes for both the organisation and the community.

Why Wingecarribee?

Wingecarribee Shire Council is proudly committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment that makes our region so unique. From native bushland and threatened species to waterways and ecological corridors, biodiversity is at the heart of our identity and our planning. As we deliver on a bold vision for the future, biodiversity planning is a core part of how we shape sustainable development and balance growth with long-term environmental stewardship. Our Environment team plays a critical role in this mission, supported by a strong cultural shift toward collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll contribute directly to the strategic management of our natural assets, working within a Council that values evidence-based decision-making, local knowledge, and ecological responsibility. All of this takes place in a region defined by its natural beauty, rich ecosystems, and a community that genuinely cares about protecting what makes Wingecarribee special. As part of the team, you’ll help shape how we plan, deliver, and improve - not just for today, but for the long term.

We offer

- Attractive salary package + 12% superannuation
- A 35-hour week with variable day off every 19 days
- Leaseback vehicle option available
- Flexible work arrangements
- Tertiary support and ongoing career development
- Wellbeing programs and access to the Fitness Passport
- Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements
- A genuine, organisation-wide commitment to values-led leadership

Essential Criteria

1. Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline (for example, environmental planning, ecology, biology, natural sciences or natural resources) and/or equivalent demonstrated capability through past employment experience.
2. Ability to provide expert advice and assessment on biodiversity assessments including flora and fauna surveys and Biodiversity Assessment Reports and be able to convey this advice and assessment in an easily understood manner.
3. Experience in undertaking environmental surveys and mapping, such as site assessments, conducting flora and fauna surveys, identifying plant community types, identifying ecological communities, and application of the Biodiversity Assessment Method.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the Biodiversity Assessment and Approvals Pathways and Biodiversity Offset Scheme
5. Demonstrated high level verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including capacity to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
6. High level working knowledge of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Protection of the Environmental Operations Act 1997 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP’s).
7. Computer literacy, including the Microsoft Office suite and demonstrated experience in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) related to environmental planning and management.
8. Demonstrated broad plant identification skills, with extensive experience in NSW habitats.

Other requirements

- Demonstrated experience in biodiversity related planning matters and legislation.
- Current NSW Driver’s Licence – Class C
- Willingness to obtain White Card construction induction accreditation

Desirable

- Post-graduate qualifications in ecology, biology, natural sciences, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Local Government activities and responsibilities
- Experience working in local government.
- Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) Accredited Assessor and/or knowledge and experience of the BAM and its delivery.

How to Apply

Protect biodiversity. Shape the future. Join Wingecarribee today.

- Your Resume – showcasing your skills & experience.
- Relevant Certifications – qualifications and licenses
- Responses to the Essential Criteria – explain how your expertise aligns with the essential criteria of the role in a statement of claims format. The essential criteria is outlined in the position description attached.

Have Questions?

- Contact Karen Guymer, Coordinator Natural Resource Projects on 0428 286 467

Applications close: 1 October 2025 – don’t miss this opportunity.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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