Bushcare Officer

**Position Number**:P00748

**Directorate**:Environment and Planning Services

**Service**:Bushcare

**Location**:South Street Depot, Katoomba

**Position**
**Classification**:
Band 4

**Date**
**Created/Updated**

11/07/2024

**POSITION PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE**

The Bushcare Program is responsible for the co-ordination of up to 65 volunteer Bushcare
and Landcare groups, participating in Council’s Bushcare Program. Each officer will take
primary responsibility for the support of a portion of the groups.

They will also contribute to the management of the Bushcare Program by providing
ongoing assistance and support for volunteer Bushcare groups in accordance with
Council’s Bushcare procedures, plans and policies.

**RELATIONSHIPS**

**Reports to**_(Position Title)_**:Bushcare Team Leader

**Report to**_(Position Number)_**:P00846

**Staff Responsibility**:Volunteers

**Key Internal Relationships**:Environment, Environment and Planning
Services Directorate

**Key External Relationships**:Bushcare Network, Community Catchment
Groups, National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Sydney Water, Private Landholders

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

The Bushcare Officer will provide technical support to Bushcare and/or Landcare Groups
taking part in the program, including attendance at the group’s workdays. They will be
responsible for:

- Ensuring relevant Council policies, procedures and work plans are implemented

during work sessions.
- Providing the necessary training and technical advice during work sessions; and

other occasions as necessary.
- Ensuring that volunteers are adequately supported and/or directed during work

sessions, and have tasks to carry out that are appropriate to their abilities.
- Identifying risk hazards on site and managing the risks during work sessions.
- Arranging the supply and maintenance of tools, equipment and materials as

required, including first aid materials.
- Arranging the supply of support services from Council that can include chain sawing,

rubbish removal and chipping of weed material.
- Documenting ongoing development of short and long term strategies for the

rehabilitation of sites, and ensuring these are in accordance with Council’s strategic
priorities.
- Carry out other duties as requested which may be reasonably expected within the

scope of the classification level and skill base of the employee.

They will also contribute to the general running of the Bushcare Program by:

- Assisting with the development of articles for a Council’s regular newsletter that will

provide technical and other advice for participants in the Bushcare Program.
- Assisting with the provision of regular inductions and training courses for volunteers.
- Assisting with the maintenance of relevant records, including a current register of

volunteers and volunteer groups working within the City.
- Assisting with the promotion of the Bushcare Program amongst the Blue Mountains

community.
- Assisting with the provision of technical advice on bush management issues to the

communities.

groups’ projects and where appropriate, monitoring the relevant budgets.
- Liaising and networking with Council, state and other relevant agency representatives

involved in bushland management and volunteer management.
- Administering relevant records and associated documentation.
- Preparing relevant correspondence to the public, other authorities or divisions of

Council as required.
- Attending relevant after hours meetings as a Council representative.

**Guiding Principles**
- We act as one organisation responding to the changing needs of our LGA and

community
- We are strategy led, driven by our Community Strategic Plan with clear priorities and

focus
- We are service focused & we continuously improve service provision and provide

excellent customer service
- We collaborate and work together to achieve our outcomes
- We ensure safety and well-being is at the centre of our organisation, operations and

culture
- We are a financially sustainable organisation, living within our means, ensuring best

value resource allocation
These Guidelines complement the Council’s adopted Values of: Work Together; Work
Safe Home safe; Service Excellence; Value for Money; Trust and Respect; and,
Supporting Community.

**Workplace Health & Safety**

Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils
policies and procedures and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are
not limited to: identifying potentially unsafe situations or work practices and notifying your
Supervisor or Manager (or the Health, Safety Manager/Area Safety Representative);
never performing a task that you believe is dangerous or for which you do not have the
experience, or have not received appropriate instructions and training or where the correct
equipment to carry out the task safely is not available; always work in a safe manner and
in accordance with safety instructions, where applicable; use the work equipment supp