Fire and Buffel Officer

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615
- Parks Australia Division
- Uluru-kata tjuta National Park

**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.

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.

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

- Implementing Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Fire and Buffel Grass Strategy.
- Coordinating and leading prescribed burning, fuel reduction and wildfire response engaging traditional knowledge and skills.
- Develop and initiate a Buffel grass action plan managing Buffel Grass across Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and surrounds as a priority.
- 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.

**What we are looking for**
**Knowledge and experience**
- 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.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in natural and cultural resource management utilising traditional knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of weed management practices.

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

- Coordinating and leading prescribed burning and weed control
- Wildfire response
- Facilitating regular training and fitness activities
- Application and promotion of safe working practices.
- The ability to inspire and educate Park staff in the importance of Buffel grass management.
- 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.

**Desirable Qualifications**
- Tertiary qualifications in natural or cultural resource management, environmental science, fire management or equivalent.
- Experience, skills and/or qualifications in ArcGIS
- Chemical Certification and Training
- Fire Fighting 1

**Eligibility and other requirements**
**Citizenship**:

- To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

**Pre-employment Check** - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.

**For additional information, please read the Job Description below.