Position description
Position Title
Devonport: / NRM Officer
Department: / Corporate, Community & Business Services / Classification: / MOA3
Section: / Community Services / Incumbent: / Vacant
Location: / Devonport Council – 17 Fenton Way, Devonport / Status: / Resource Shared (full-time)
Position Title
Burnie: / NRM Officer
Department: / Land and Environmental Services
Section: / Compliance Support
Location: / Burnie Council – 80 Wilson Street, Burnie
  1. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To promote, coordinate and facilitate a range of natural resource management (NRM) priorities across both the Devonport and Burnie Council municipal areas. The role aims to reduce the negative impact of Council and community operations on the cities’ natural resources. A particular focus on biodiversity through implementing a range of programs and initiatives, including undertaking on ground work, community education and capacity building.

This position is resource shared with Burnie City Council therefore the position will have two separate start locations, 17 Fenton Way Devonport and 80 Wilson Street, Burnie. This role will require some flexibility in days and hours, depending on positional requirements to deliver NRM activities across both municipal areas, generally this position will work at Burnie City Council 2 days per week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) with the remaining hours at Devonport City Council.

  1. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Accountability / Measures
Plan, implement and deliver initiatives in accordance with Council’s environmental strategies and plans. /
  • Coordinate and undertake NRM activities of Council-owned bushland, estuaries and coastal reserves
  • Undertake weed management including mapping, control and general management of environmental weed outbreaks ensuring the councils meettheir legislative requirements
  • Undertake bushlandconservation activities including revegetation, monitoring of protected species and assisting with addressing bushfire risks
  • Participate in the councils environmental strategic planning processes and when required assist with implementation
  • Monitor effectiveness of service delivery/ initiatives; recommend and implement modifications to service delivery/ initiatives
  • Develop, implement and report on initiatives within corporate plans and reporting requirements
  • Undertake alternate accountabilities in line with skills and abilities

Organise, deliver and promote NRM education and capacity building programs /
  • Engage the community in positive NRM action including recruitment of volunteers to undertake on ground NRM work and deliver events with a NRM focus (e.g. Clean Up Australia Day, Arbor Week, National Tree Day)
  • Conduct public education and awareness sessions for the councils and the community to raise awareness on relevant issues
  • Provide NRM advice and assistance to the councils’ staff and the public

Facilitate and maintain partnerships with other organisations and agencies for the implementation of programs and initiatives /
  • Represent the councils at relevant committee meetings and advisory forums, including Cradle Coast Regional Weeds Advisory Group
  • Develop strong links with external stakeholders to ensure timely provision of information to meet project and broader biodiversity objectives
  • Maintain and promote a professional image to all contacts
  • Maintain confidentiality when required

Promote Council’s services and community activities to external stakeholders /
  • Coordinate the production, distribution and/or delivery of promotional information/publications/ sessions for the community
•Provide information of activities to the councils’ communications teams
•Collect and disseminate information about services, programs and local needs to individuals, community groups and government agencies as required
Prepare funding submissions, award nominations and secure other resources when required /
  • Ensure funding and sponsorship initiatives are investigated and developed to enhanceNRM outcomes
  • Monitor grants against funding agreement/requirements
  • Prepare award nominations, e.g. Keep Australia Beautiful Awards, LGAT awards, where appropriate

Comply with Health and Safety requirements & Council policies /
  • Comply with all Health and Safety legislation
  • Ensure Health and Safety information is provided to the broader community as required
  • While at work, a worker must;
take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety; and
take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons; and
comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that is given by the person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person to comply with this Act: and
cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the business or undertaking relating to health or safety at the workplace that has been notified to workers.
  • Avoid, eliminate or minimize hazards within your control, and immediately report
  • Attend and actively participate in training programs provided in the interests of Health and Safety
  • Ensure accidents and near misses are reported as soon as reasonably practicable
  • Ensure assessment and control of risk is managed in accordance with Council’s Risk Management Framework

  1. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reporting relationships

Devonport City Council is the employing authority.

When working at Devonport the position reports to the Community Services Executive Officer. Daily direction may also be provided by the Parks and Reserves Coordinator.

When working in Burnie the position reports to the Compliance Services Manager.

The position of NRM Officer is not responsible for the supervision of any other position however will be required to coordinate volunteer activities.

Challenges

The incumbent will be expected to maintain up to date technical skills and knowledge, adopting a flexible approach to meeting work demands and undertake new or alternative duties as required. A professional image of Council must be projected at all times.

The position involves significant liaison across all areas and levels of the organisation. The incumbent will need to utilise excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy to ensure positive and productive relationships are established and maintained.

Effective delivery of support will require the ability to anticipate required actions and resolve matters without being specifically requested to, using appropriate judgement and initiative. Consistent application of tact, excellent communication, time management and organisational skills and abilities will be required.

Confidentiality and confidence in and of council officers must be maintained.

  1. CODE OF CONDUCT

Both councils are committed to maintaining the highest standard in their dealings with the community and promoting equity and respecting diversity within the workplace.

Devonport Council’s code of conduct for employees details the principles of good conduct and standards of behaviour that has been determined the community can reasonably expect employees to demonstrate in the performance of their duties and functions.

  1. KEY COMMUNICATIONS

Internal

Effective and timely communication across a range of council activities will be important, as well as strong organisation of priorities. The position will assist with the promotion of the councilsNRM activities.

External

The role requires working with a range of individuals and organisations to assist with the efficient and effective delivery of NRM services. The incumbent will regularly interact with community members, community organisations, businesses, schools, and other government staff. Relationships founded on a high level of confidence and customer care must be maintained.

  1. REQUIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The incumbent is expected to possess and consistently display the following personal attributes.

Ethics, values & integrity – Maintain high standards of ethics and integrity, inspire trust and confidence, treat all contacts equitably and fairly, and observe all of the councils policies and procedures.

Commitment and enthusiasm – Ensure enthusiasm and commitment to sustained effort through diligence and pursuit of high standards and their promotion to others. Be aware of best practice in relevant work areas and identify and undertake appropriate continued personal and professional development.

Initiative and innovation – Proactively utilise initiative, innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement to ensure the relevance and optimum effectiveness and efficiency of council operations and service delivery. Anticipate potential problems and take appropriate actions to eliminate or manage their impact.

Working with others – Respect others and throughout the conduct of council business actively support and provide coaching and assistance to fellow staff. Recognise and value the diversity of those in the workplace, and the impact of your actions and the examples you set for others. Ensure appropriate proactive communication is undertaken and respect the importance of keeping all relevant parties informed.

Professional & confident demeanour – Consistently project a professional, confident, controlled and customer focused attitude and demeanour.

  1. SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria are provided to assist in the identification of a potential incumbent’s skills, knowledge and experience required for competent performance in the position.

Essential Criteria

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role, or a Certificate III in a relevant field with a minimum two years’ experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of biodiversity conservation, environmental education/awareness programs and best practice natural resource management
  • Proven experience in project development, implementation and evaluation processes
  • Well-developed communication skills with the ability to facilitate small groups and meetings; conduct presentations; prepare reports, promotional materials and original correspondence; represent Council on working groups/committees and an ability to develop working relationships with community organisations, volunteers and other key stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team to achieve designated goals and strategic priorities
  • Demonstrated computer skills
  • National Police Check
  • Working with Children Registration Card
  • Evidence of a current Driver’s licence

Desirable Criteria

  • Demonstrated ability to attract, manage and execute grant funding for NRM based projects
  • Experience in managing volunteers
  • An understanding of the scope of NRM within the context of local government including knowledge of relevant environmental legislation
  • Experience working in other environmental sustainability areas, for example climate change, energy efficiency, waste management
  • First Aid Certificate
  • Knowledge of relevant health and safety issues

OFFICE USE ONLY

Authorisation / Approved by General Manager3/11/2017
Evaluation / Reviewed 8/12/2016
Review / Reviewed by Executive Officer Community Services
1 of 5 / NRM Officer – Vacant