Buffel Grass Fire Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
- Parks Australia Division
- Uluru-kata tjuta National Park
- _Unique opportunity to work with and learn from Traditional Owners of Uluru KataTjuta National Park_
- _ Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skills and back grounds _
- _Play an important role in the battle against an invasive weed called Buffel grass recently declared a weed in the Northern Territory_

**Identified position**
This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

**Who we are**
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them.

The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Booderee National Park, with its coastal habitats is one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also looks after Parks Australia’s corporate services from the office in Canberra including, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Customer Experience and Destination Planning.
Beyond the spinifex sand plains of arid central Australia lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of three national parks leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. This branch also manages a rich and fascinating range of island ecosystems and habitats, including oceanic Pulu Keeling, Norfolk and Christmas Island National Parks.

The Caring for Culture & Country section of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is a small, dedicated team that works closely with Anangu to protect the Natural and Cultural Values of this World Heritage National Park. Traditional knowledge and skills along with innovative technology are embraced enabling both new & old ways of looking after country work hand in hand to protect an amazing living Culture for all.

**The Job**
Duties will include, but aren't limited to:

- implementing Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Fire and Buffel Grass Strategy
- develop and initiate a Buffel grass action plan managing Buffel grass across Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and surrounds as a priority
- coordinating and leading prescribed burning, fuel reduction and wildfire response engaging traditional knowledge and skills
- managing data (including GPS data) and completing analysis using GIS and mapping software
- preparing maps, reports, project and workplans related to GIS mapping and data information with a specific focus on fire scars and Buffel grass mapping
- undertake all elements of procurement including preparing and managing contracts
- maintaining a variety of field devices and drones and external data sources
- assisting with cultural heritage and natural resource management programs
- survey monitoring, mapping of flora and fauna
- supporting and implementing the Caring for Culture & Country works program.

**Skills and capabilities**
A proven ability to lead and mentor staff, including but not limited to:

- coordinating and leading a weed (buffel grass) management program
- the ability to inspire and educate and staff and others in the importance of Buffel grass management
- undertaking prescribed burning alongside Traditional owners
- ability to teach and share skills with a diverse group of people
- demonstrated effective liaison, oral and written communication skills and organisational skills
- demonstrated experience with Preparing Maps, project plans and GIS/ GPS data analyses
- data management skills.

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