CASEY.VIC.GOV.AU

Title: Senior Biodiversity Conservation Officer

Classification: Band 6

Department: City Planning

Division: City Planning and Infrastructure

Reports to: Team Leader Environment and Heritage

Enquiries: Simon King Team Leader Environment and Heritage, 9705 5200

1. Position Purpose » Expand community and Council support for biodiversity conservation, protection and

enhancement of environmental values.

» Maximise the retention and gain of native vegetation and enhancement of biodiversity in the City of Casey, including through planning processes.

2. Key Responsibility Areas » Develop innovative environmental education programs, resources and events including

the coordination of Council’s Growing a Green Web Program and volunteer activities.

» Develop and maintain management plans for Council’s nature reserves and revegetation areas.

» Provide technical advice and support to Council’s Bushland Crew, statutory and strategic planners and other departments as required regarding biodiversity issues.

» Provide the main contact point for community environmental groups to enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes in the City of Casey.

» Monitor performance against objectives and manage project risks and issues.

» Consistently deliver projects on time, on budget and to the agreed standard.

» Through leadership and example promote Casey’s trademark behaviours: show respect, take responsibility, listen and respond, be positive, think things through.

3. Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities» Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others in the workplace.

» Ensure hazards, incidents, near misses and injuries are reported immediately.

» Support activities taken by the organisation to comply with OH&S legislation.

Position Description

Last updated: 09-06-2017

» Ensure only authorised, adequately trained staff undertake assigned tasks.

» Develop new work procedures, as required, in consultation with relevant persons.

» Provide appropriate facilities for safe storage, handling and transport of work-related materials and equipment.

» Actively participate in the planning and execution of Return to Work plans for employees.

4. Accountability and Extent of Authority » The position may manage resources and/or provide advice to or regulate clients and/or

provide input into the development of policy.

» Where prime responsibility is resource management, freedom to act is governed by clear objectives and/or budgets, with a regular reporting mechanism to ensure adherence to goals and objectives. The effect of decisions and actions taken is usually limited to the quality or cost of the programs and projects being managed.

» Where prime responsibility is to provide specialist advice to clients or to regulate clients, freedom to act is subject to regulations and policies and regular supervision. The effect on individual clients of decisions and actions may be significant but is usually subject to appeal or review by more senior employees.

» If the position is primarily involved in policy development the work is usually of an investigative and analytical nature, with freedom to act prescribed by a more senior position. The quality of the output of the position can have a significant effect on the process of policy development.

» The employee:

o may have formal input into policy development within their area of expertise and/or management

o is committed to delivering high quality outcomes for customers and stakeholders

o monitors customer and stakeholder satisfaction.

5. Judgement and Decision Making» The nature of the work is usually specialised with methods, procedures and processes

developed from theory or precedent.

» The work may involve improving and/or developing methods and techniques generally based on previous experience.

» Problem solving involves implementing solutions, evaluating effectiveness and adjusting actions as required.

» Guidance and advice are usually available.

» The employee:

o Maintains positive behaviour amongst uncertainty and stress; and

o Embraces variety, change and challenges.

6. Management Skills » Manage time, set priorities and plan and organise work to achieve objectives in the most

efficient way possible, within the resources available and within a set timetable.

» Use understanding of individuals to get the best outcomes for the person and

» Adapt behaviour to new situations, be resilient and maintain stable performance when

under pressure or opposition.

» Improve processes and systems using digital tools to influence positive outcomes.

» Where the job involves management of employees, understand and be able to implement personnel practices including those related to equal employment opportunity, occupational health and safety and training and development.

7. Interpersonal Skills» Gain co-operation and assistance from clients, the public and other employees and,

where appropriate, supervise other employees.

» Communicate effectively with stakeholders when implementing new ideas.

» Liaise with counterparts in other organisations to discuss specialist matters and with other employees to resolve intra-organisational problems.

8. Specialist Skills and Knowledge

» Experience in developing and accessing biodiversity and environmental plans and reports.

» Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of the strategic and statutory planning processes.

» Knowledge of environmental behaviour change methodologies and conservation and education initiatives.

» Experience in assessing biodiversity values and managing threats to biodiversity.

» Proficiency in the application of a theoretical or scientific discipline, including the underlying principles as distinct from the practices.

» Understanding of the long term goals of the Department and of the relevant policies of both the Department and the wider organisation.

» Familiarity with relevant budgeting techniques if the primary function is to manage resources.

» Ability to use the available digital tools to an excellent level.

9. Inherent Physical Requirements » In order to perform the required duties, the incumbent must successfully complete a pre-

employment functional assessment.

» Use a computer

» Communicate clearly

» Drive a vehicle

» Move freely and safely over rough ground, such as road verges, parks and reserves

» Undertake outdoor physical work commensurate with the requirements of this position including, weeding, tree and shrub planting, digging holes and using other relevant tools

10. Qualifications and Experience » Completion of secondary education plus:

o tertiary qualification in environmental science or related field with some related work experience; or

o Lesser qualifications with substantial relevant experience; or

o substantial relevant experience commensurate with the requirements of the position.

» Driver's Licence which is valid to drive within Victoria.

11. Conditions of Employment » Conditions of employment are as per the City of Casey Enterprise Agreement, Casey’s

policies and procedures and the letter of offer.

» Hours - The position is full-time worked on a 19-day/4-weeks arrangement.

» Health Declaration - The preferred applicant is required to complete a Health Declaration form and return it to the Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator prior to commencement.

» Physio/Medical Examination - The preferred applicant is required to have a pre-employment physio/medical examination (at Council’s expense). Accounts for broken appointments are the responsibility of the applicant.

» Transport – Employees must use Council vehicles for work-related travel whenever practical to do so. If employees use privately-owned vehicles for work-related travel Council recommends the vehicle be comprehensively insured and the insurance company notified that the vehicle is being used for work-related travel. If an employee using a privately owned, comprehensively insured vehicle for work-related travel is involved in an accident they may be eligible for reimbursement of the insurance excess. Vehicles not comprehensively insured will not be eligible for reimbursement.

» Sick Leave - A medical certificate may be required for any absence and must be provided for sick leave exceeding three working days or absence on the working day before or after a rostered day off, annual leave or public holiday.

» Multiskilling - Employees may be directed to carry out any duties consistent with their skills, competence and training provided the duties do not result in de-skilling them.

» Risk Management – Employees must comply with risk management policy and procedures.

» Employment Status - The successful applicant must provide proof of permission to work in Australia prior to commencement.

» Probation Period - A six month Probation Period applies to this position. This period will be extended in line with any period of unpaid or unauthorised leave.

12. How to Apply » Applications to be submitted through the Casey website at www.casey.vic.gov.au

(preferred), or email to applications@casey.vic.gov.au in Word format.

» Applications are dealt with in the strictest confidence. Details contained in your application will not be conveyed to any person not directly connected with processing your application without your express permission.

» Following the nominated close date we allow up to three weeks to prepare a short-list of candidates for interview. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by telephone. The remaining candidates will not be contacted. If you do not hear from us within three weeks unfortunately this will mean your application has been unsuccessful.