Conservation Officer

Conservation Officer

Location: Melbourne’s South‑East
Department: Open Space – Bushland & Foreshore Team
Hourly Rate: $35.15 + super

Join a leading local government organisation committed to protecting and enhancing bushland, foreshore, wetlands, creeks and grassland reserves. We are seeking a motivated Conservation Officer with strong practical skills in ecological restoration, natural resource management, and community engagement.

About the Role
As a Conservation Officer, you will deliver maintenance and restoration works across significant natural reserves within the municipality. Working with minimal supervision, you'll ensure reserves are ecologically healthy, safe and welcoming for community use.

Key Responsibilities
• Undertake bushland, foreshore and natural reserve maintenance to agreed standards
• Deliver programmed and reactive works under the direction of Crew Leaders
• Maintain natural areas to ensure they are clean, safe, and high‑quality
• Support and supervise community volunteers, "Friends of" groups, apprentices and trainees
• Work collaboratively across teams and maintain strong community relationships
• Promote best‑practice OH&S and environmental management
• Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement of conservation programs

Skills, Permits & Experience
We are looking for someone with strong ecological restoration skills and the ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding environment.

Essential Skills & Experience:
• Experience in ecological restoration, revegetation, integrated weed control & site assessments
• Indigenous/native plant identification knowledge
• Experience with Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)
• Vegetation Quality Assessment experience
• Manual labour capability
• Brushcutter operation skills

Licences, Certificates & Permits:
• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
• Victorian Car Driver Licence (include expiry date upon application)
• Chemical Users / Herbicide Applicator experience
• Chainsaw Ticket – Level 1

Personal Attributes:
• Ability to supervise junior staff and volunteers
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to plan and organise daily work
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
• Commitment to safety and environmental best practices

Pre‑Employment Requirements
• Australian work rights
• National Criminal History Check
• Working with Children Check
• Pre‑employment medical & health declaration
• Valid Victorian Driver Licence (required at all times)

⭐ Why Join Us?
• Work in a supportive, environmentally focused team
• Contribute to meaningful, on‑ground environmental protection
• Stable full‑time, permanent position
• Opportunities for training, development and progression
• Inclusive and values‑driven organisation

🌱 Apply Today
If you're passionate about bushland and foreshore conservation and want to help protect the natural environment for future generations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and make an impact.

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.