AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
POSITION TITLE: Senior Vegetation Ecologist POSITION NO: P00637 CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICER C
NETWORK / BRANCH: Environment and Recreation Parks Conservation and Lands
LOCATION: Crace, Gungahlin (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems DATE REVISED: May 2009
REPORTS TO: SPOA, Section Manager
AUTHOR: Sharon Lane
ORGANISATION CONTEXT
Parks, Conservation and Lands (PCL) is a Branch within the Environment and Recreation Network responsible for planning and management of parks and reserves and the public domain, including, lakes, street trees, public open space and city places. It protects and conserves the natural resources of the ACT, promotes appropriate recreational, educational and scientific uses of our parks and reserves, and maintains the look of the city and its environs. The Research and Planning section undertakes strategic planning for conservation across the ACT and for the open space system and provides scientific advice on matters relating to natural resource management particularly on the protection of ecological systems and threatened plants and animals. A major role of the section is the implementation of research and monitoring programs to provide a sound scientific basis for planning and management decisions.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE (S):
Design, plan and coordinate monitoring programs for lowland ecosystems, particularly threatened woodlands, grasslands and plant species. Provide environmental policy and planning advice based on scientific information relating primarily to lowland vegetation communities and plant species in the ACT.
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MAJOR DUTIES
Under a broad level of autonomy and in coordination with Manager (Research and Planning) Develop, coordinate and manage all aspects of a program of scientific research and monitoring of the ACT’s lowland vegetation communities (designed to improve understanding of biodiversity management for conservation). Initiate and undertake consultation and liaison with government agencies, private land holders and community representatives and provide technical information and advice on protection and management of vegetation communities and species and the conservation of vegetation communities generally. Assist with management and oversight of the section including financial, operational and administrative aspects of the work program. Formulate high-level policy advice to Parks, Conservation and Lands, ACT planning institutions and relevant Government departments on conservation and management vegetation communities and species in the ACT and region. Represent the Department of Territory and Municipal Services and the ACT Government in national, regional and local forums on threatened species, natural resource management and related conservation matters. Undertake delegated responsibilities as a Conservation Officer pursuant to the Nature Conservation Act 1980.
ROLES REPORTING TO THIS ONE
Several technical and professional support staff may report to, or work, with this position.
CHALLENGES
Develop effective research and monitoring programs that support the ACT Government’s biodiversity conservation objectives within available resources. Develop the capacity for providing high-level advice on biodiversity aspects of lowland vegetation. Build a constructive rapport with key agencies that are involved in planning and development in the ACT and government and non-government land managers, universities and funding bodies.
KEY COMMUNICATIONS
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Represent Parks, Conservation and Lands within the Department, to other Government agencies, the general community and relevant organisations to ensure effective understanding of Parks, Conservation and Lands policies and projects. Coordinate and provide technical and/or strategic advice to the Director, Parks, Conservation and Lands and the Conservator of Flora and Fauna and manager of the section. Liaise with the Parks, Conservation and Lands management team and inter- and intra-agency officers to ensure evidence-based management of lowland vegetation communities and plant species. Communicate Government policies, technical information and research results to professional peers, the media, community groups and the general public.
DECISION MAKING
Work with a high level of autonomy to implement and support programs of the Research and Planning section. Work cooperatively with other members of the Research and Planning team and with other parts of Parks, Conservation and Lands to deliver targeted biodiversity monitoring programs and sound management of the ACT’s natural resources. Work with limited direction as a representative of Parks, Conservation and Lands at inter and intra-agency and community meetings/seminars. Make recommendations to Senior Management and the ACT Government regarding conservation management of the ACT’s vegetation communities. Supervise implementation of a designated part of Research and Planning field program including financial management as per delegated authority. Decisions are guided by relevant ACT legislation and guidelines including the Nature Conservation Act 1980 and the Planning and Development Act 2007.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE (SELECTION CRITERIA)
1. Demonstrated well developed knowledge of the principles of ecology and their application to biodiversity conservation, with specific experience in undertaking scientific studies of lowland flora and vegetation communities of the ACT region. 2. Demonstrated capacity for analytical and policy development work, including the provision of high level of advice for statutory purposes, relating to planning and conservation management of natural resources, particularly lowland ecosystems. 3. Demonstrated ability to plan, supervise and deliver ecological research and monitoring programs, undertake data analysis and meet tight deadlines with minimal
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supervision. 4. Excellent communication (written and oral) skills in liaison/negotiation/representation and in preparing scientific reports, policy, technical advice and government correspondence. 5. Understanding of, and experience with, government processes, legislation, policy development and implementation. 6. Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of Workplace Diversity, Occupational Health and Safety, and Equal Employment Opportunity. Other requirements 1. Relevant Tertiary qualifications (preferably post-graduate) and extensive relevant experience 2. A current manual driver’s license. 3. A willingness to work independently in the field, outside normal hours, in remote locations and in adverse weather conditions.
VERIFICATION: We certify that the content of this position description is accurate: Position Holder: Manager / Supervisor: Sharon Lane Date: Date:
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