Regional Field Officer

Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Regional Field Officer to join the Midwest WA team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia's unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work and live within a leading conservation organisation
• This position location is flexible within Midwest, WA (Kalbarri preferred)
• $66, 293 - $81, 024, plus 12% super
• Full time preferred (part time options and seasonal 9 months annually will be considered)
• 2-year fixed term contract

About us

For over 30 years we've supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

The Regional Field Officer is responsible for supporting landscapes-scale natural resource management across the Midwest reserves. This may include infrastructure maintenance, weed control, track maintenance, pest management support, fire support and visitation and volunteer support. This position will operate across the three Reserves in the Midwest Priority Landscape – Eurardy Reserve, Hamelin Station Reserve and Charles Darwin Reserve – and include some office-based activities. Regular travel will be required between reserves, with the Regional Field Officer usually spending most of the work week (Mon-Fri) on a single reserve. The Regional Field Officer will work with the Healthy Landscape Manager and the Reserve Managers to ensure the day-to-day management of the reserve meets the goals of the Reserve Management Plan and Bush Heritage Australia. Reserve-based staff will manage and work in collaboration with non-reserve staff to contribute to the operation of the reserve.

On-site accommodation with shared facilities is available when working on each of the reserves. Noting the mobile nature of the role, this would be best suited to someone based in a nearby town such as Geraldton or Kalbarri.

The incumbent will require the following certifications and experience to perform the duties of the position. Where skills are still required, training will be completed once in the role:

• Chemcert – agricultural chemical user accreditation and proven experience with backpack and motorised units
• Chainsaw operations
• Firearms license and use
• Fire crew member training and fire experience
• Tractor operating and other machinery skills such as brush cutters, backpack blowers and diesel generators
• Other training as appropriate such as welding, basic fabrication, building infrastructure maintenance, road building, drainage, surface repair, basic mechanics, and fencing.
• First aid certificate
• 4WD certificate and skills

What you'll need to succeed

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.
• Demonstrated experience in health and safety risk assessment procedures and requirements in a rural environment.
• High level of physical fitness to undertake required manual activities.
• Ability to undertake practical skills relating to mechanical, infrastructure, plant and equipment-related maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member under both direct and remote supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively alongside Traditional Custodians.
• Ability to collaborate, work well with and supervise staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors.
• Ability to communicate well in both written and oral forms.
• Experience or the ability and resilience to work and live in remote areas and travel for extended periods.
• Adaptable to shifting timelines in response to e.g. weather etc.
• Current manual drivers' licence with 4WD experience, first aid certificate, and basic firefighting and chainsaw certificates (or ability to attain)
• Computer literacy including then use of Office Suite

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.
• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement of employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.
• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.
• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.
• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration "performance or achievement relative to opportunity". We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you're interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience

Don't miss out Apply now

Applications close: Sunday the 12th of October at 11:30pm WA time.