ROLE DESCRIPTION
ROLE TITLE: Wetlands Conservation Project
DIRECTORATE: Coorong, Lower Lakes and
REMUNERATION LEVEL: PO1
BRANCH: Environmental Science Program
Officer
CHRIS POSITION NUMBER: EH2634
Murray Mouth Project
Development
REPORTS TO: Wetlands Conservation Project
Manager
Number of other roles reporting to this role: 0
DIRECTORATE BUSINESS PURPOSE / SCOPE:
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - through the Coorong, Lower Lakes
and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Projects Team is leading a range of conservation programs aimed at
securing a freshwater future for the CLLMM region through working in partnership with other
government agencies, the community, scientists, industries and the Traditional Owners to respond
to the critical environmental issues confronting the CLLMM region.
Within the CLLMM team, the Wetlands Conservation Project Officer would provide support to the
Wetlands Conservation Project Manager, in undertaking several projects aimed at Protecting
Critical Environmental Assets through the proactive conservation of several species of highly
threatened native freshwater fish and other threatened wetland fauna and flora.
The Wetlands Conservation Project Officer would assist the Project Manager in targeting the
conservation of critically threatened wetland species through the development of recovery plans,
site monitoring and the implementation of on grounds works across the South Australian MurrayDarling Basin, in particular the CLLMM region, to ensure the protection of species listed under State
and Federal Legislation.
The Wetlands Conservation team contributes to the DENR: ‘No Species Loss’ strategy and the Long
Term Plan for the CLLMM region. The position will also contribute to the whole of CLLMM team
restoration and conservation projects.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Wetlands Conservation Project Officer supports the work of the Wetlands Conservation Project
Manager in the implementation of projects and field work that supports the ‘Protecting Critical
Environmental Assets’ program, which is critical for threatened wetlands fauna and flora and in
particular for native freshwater fish.
KEY ROLE OUTCOMES:
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Professional and timely support is provided for wetlands conservation projects including
coordinating planning, approval processes and stakeholder engagement.
Data integration and information research for the review of recovery plans for critically
threatened or iconic species both within the CLLMM region and across the South Australian
Murray-Darling Basin.
Assistance with the organisation of timely implementation on grounds works at various sites
and referring any issues to the manager.
Assistance with small scale monitoring events and organising field schedules in alignment
with project needs and project manager’s requirements.
Administration assistance of budget tracking, invoice management and compliant
contractual arrangements ensures projects adhere to available budgets including service
provider management.
Participation in project steering committees, community groups, and working groups
facilitates effective stakeholder liaison and collaboration and ensures native fish projects are
integrated and coordinated with those of other agencies.
Education and interpretive materials are developed and presented to communities and
schools to create awareness of CLLMM threatened fauna, flora and general environmental
issues.
Scientific and environmental data and information is researched, compiled, maintained,
analysed and presented through timely reports, briefing notes and correspondence.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS:
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Staff across CLLMM, particularly the Scientific and Environment team.
Internal DEH stakeholders
Regional conservation Delivery and Conservation Policy and Programs staff
Consultants and Contractors
Traditional Owners
Other Government Departments (Local, State and Federal) and NRM Boards
External community stakeholders.
Role Description – Scientific Officer
2
TECHNICAL/PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:
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Ability to be flexible and innovative to adaptively manage projects in a constantly changing
environment.
Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and the challenges currently faced when managing
these ecosystems, in particular in the CLLMM region.
An understanding of native fauna and flora biology, ecology and the significance of these
species threats and issues.
Ability to educate and communicate science effectively to both a scientific and nonscientific community.
Well developed professional communication skills as the position will be working closely in a
small sub-team and within a larger team of both scientific and non-scientific individuals.
Experience and efficiency in assisting with the coordination of site projects and contracts,
undertaking ecological investigations, conducting analysis and preparing clear, concise and
logical reports with recommendations.
Ability to liaise, establish and maintain a professional and cooperative working relationships
with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Proven ability to work with initiative, as an individual or as a member of a team, under limited
supervision, and consistently provide work of high quality.
Sound organisational skills to meet high volume work demands and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Degree in science, environmental science or similar, preferably related to wetlands
conservation and management is desirable.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
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May be required to participate in fire management or associated duties.
Work outside of normal hours may be required.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Mandatory to all roles)
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Maintaining a commitment to EEO, Diversity, Ethical Conduct, Occupational Health, Safety
and Welfare and record-keeping within legislative requirements and according to the
principles of the Public Sector Act 2009.
Actively participating in the Department’s Performance Review and Development Program.
Signed:_________________________ (Employee) ......./....../....
Approved By: _______________________ (Manager) ...../....../....
Role Description – Scientific Officer
3