JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title of Position
Senior Natural Resources
Management Officer
(Rangelands)
Administrative Unit
South Australian
Murray-Darling Basin
Natural Resources
Management Board
Salary
$53,115 - $55,569
Classification Code OPS-4
Type of appointment:
Ongoing
Temporary
Contract
3 Years
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION APPROVAL
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Date:____________
GENERAL MANAGER - South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board
CONTEXT STATEMENT
The South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board (The NRM Board) is the
key statutory authority for the management of natural resources in the SA Murray-Darling Basin Region
(The Region). The Region has many environmental, economic and social attributes that are extremely
valuable to South Australia. The NRM Board operates under the auspices of the Natural Resources
Management Act 2004 (The Act). The NRM Board is a major investor in natural resources management
programs in the Region with funds sourced from a regional NRM levy raised by the NRM Board under the
Act, as well as from State and National level programs such as Caring for our Country.
The NRM Board is a dynamic regional organization that develops partnerships with industry, state agencies,
local government, community organisations and the Australian Government in the development and delivery
of programs. NRM Board programs are delivered through a range of mechanisms that involve joint funding
and contracts or agreements with a range of deliverers.
The South Australian Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region extends over 70,000 km2 encompassing the
Southern Olary Plains, the Murray Mallee, Murray Plains, the northern part of the Coorong and the Lower
Lakes, the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges and the Riverland, Mid-Murray and Lower Murray reaches.
The Region incorporates all or part of 15 local government areas and the main townships of Barmera, Berri,
Blanchetown, Burra, Eudunda, Karoonda, Lameroo, Loxton, Mannum, Meningie, Mt Barker, Morgan,
Murray Bridge, Pinnaroo, Renmark, Robertstown, Strathalbyn, Swan Reach, Tailem Bend and Waikerie.
JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position and its responsibilities / duties
The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) reports to the Operations Team
Leader (Ranges and Rangelands) and is required to assist with the management, leadership and effective
performance of the Rangelands Team to achieve its operational objectives and use its resources,
including implementation of systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of natural resource
management programs. The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) is responsible
for pest animal and plant control, soil conservation and water affecting and compliance programs across
a significant operational area. The particular area of focus includes the western and northern portions of
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region.
The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) provides high quality and timely
advice to the Operations Team Leader and the respective Natural Resources Management Groups on
operational issues principally related to pest animal and plant control and soil conservation matters
within the western and northern portions of the Region. The incumbent ensures that these NRM issues
are considered operationally, that activities implemented by the Rangelands Team, its partners and
program providers are undertaken in a complementary and efficient manner, and that effective networks
and working relationships are developed.
The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) is responsible for supporting the
Operations Team Leader by liaising with key Local Government staff and the Department of
Environment and Heritage. This will further enhance the implementation of any contract arrangements
for fee for service pest management programs, including the preparation of project proposals and
briefings (including cost estimates, cost/benefit analyses, risk management and recommended
resources).
In particular, the position ensures that a planned approach is taken across the Rangelands in the
initiation, prioritisation, development and implementation of programs and projects aimed at controlling
and/or eradicating existing and potential pest plant and pest animal species, or preventing pest
incursions, and reducing impacts of poor land and water use activities.
Also to provide support for the implementation of a capacity building program for the Rangelands so as
to further promote best practice pest management in line with land and water use initiatives.
The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) ensures that the Board’s operational
programs are well recognised and successfully integrated into the Rangelands. The incumbent works
collaboratively with stakeholders, the Operations Team Leader, NRM Groups and Board staff.
The Senior Natural Resources Management Officer (Rangelands) contributes to the operation,
implementation, monitoring of and reporting on the Rangelands Operations Plan, the administration of
the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act) within the region, and is also responsible for
the provision of a fee-for-service pest plant and animal control service to private and public landholders.
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
2. Reporting and Working Relationships
The position reports to the Operations Team Leader (Ranges and Rangelands), and as directed, will be
required to manage Operations staff and resources for those that are working in the Burra area and from the
Burra office.
The incumbent is responsible for the implementation of any contract arrangements for fee for service pest
management programs and in particular, with Local Government and the Department of Environment and
Heritage within the Rangelands area, including the preparation of project proposals and briefings (including
cost estimates, cost/benefit analyses, risk management and recommended resources) and has a close working
relationship with the Operations Unit and is a member of the Operations Management Team.
The incumbent works cooperatively with the NRM Groups, Board staff and assists with the Board’s
Operations staff in the establishment and maintenance of an effective collaborative working relationship with
key stakeholders and the community. This position is also expected to provide a key link between the local
community in liaison with the Burra community NRM officer.
The position has a close working relationship with all Board staff, key stakeholders from the community,
government agencies, local government, industry, the Rangelands NRM Group and neighbouring NRM
regions.
3. Special Conditions:
The appointment is initially offered as a 3 year contract.
The position will be located at a Board regional office in Burra and will be required to travel and operate at
the Board’s offices located throughout the region.
Out of hours work is required involving overnight absences. A government-plated car is made available for
work purposes only. Possession of a current driving licence is essential.
The incumbent will be required to uphold the principles contained within the Public Sector Code of Conduct.
Must be prepared to undertake and successfully complete the Natural Resource Management Investigation
and Enforcement Course or equivalent.
Must be prepared to undertake and successfully complete the appropriate training so as to handle and supply
Sodium Fluoroacetate.
Must be prepared to undertake and successfully complete the training so as to hold a Pest Technicians
licence.
The implementation of appropriate ethical standards and guidelines is part of the Board’s governance
framework.
All Board offices are smoke free workplaces.
4. Statement of Key Accountabilities (continued on next page)
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
Ensure that priority animal and plant control issues for the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region
are addressed in a way which contributes to the achievement of the Board’s NRM Plan by:
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implementing the requirements of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 and Regulations
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implementing the directions, policies and procedures of the Board
liaison with the key stakeholders from the community, government agencies, local government,
industry, the NRM groups and neighbouring NRM regions
collecting, recording and interpreting information on declared or threatening animals and plants
assisting in the planning, implementation and assessment of control programs
recognise compliance issues that need to be escalated and manage the compliance process in
accordance with Board guidelines
issuing compliance orders including enforcement of control where deemed necessary
integrating control programs with other land management activities
increasing community and landholder understanding, acceptance and adoption of programs for
control of pest animal and plant species
preparing project proposals and briefings in consultation with the Team leader, including cost
estimates, cost/benefit analyses and resources allocations
promoting adaptive management techniques & methodologies for pest plant & animal control, water
course management, and land management within the local environment
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inspecting rural properties and roadsides including private and public land for the presence of
declared plants and animals, discussing control and replacement strategies with land managers
 carrying out active summer and winter roadside inspections and control programs
 investigation and advice in relation to recovery of outstanding roadside and property spray accounts
 supervising approved Board contractors to implement control programs
 assisting with water affecting activities when necessary
Contribute to the efficient operations of the Board by:
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providing advice to the Operations Manager, the Operations Team Leader (Ranges and Rangelands)
on policy matters when relevant
regularly reporting to the Operations Team Leader (Ranges and Rangelands)
managing operations staff and resources in the Burra area and from the Burra office.
attending State and Regional Conferences and meetings in accordance with Board policy
ensuring that the Board's equipment is kept in good working condition by ensuring maintenance
regimes are followed
assisting with the implementation of sound principles of personnel management, including the
provision of a safe and healthy work environment and the promotion of values that recognise
individual differences and ensure inclusive and fair treatment
At times undertake the efficient, effective & precise application of herbicides for spray operations.
ensure that appropriate records are kept of all hazardous substances that are stored at the designated
depots.
prepare and maintain records including:
noting batch numbers of chemicals in a chemical inventory for the chemical shed and or in a spray
diary
maintaining detailed spray records on the approved form which includes spraying dates, chemicals
applied, rates, paddocks or crop type, target weed or pest and signature or initial of the spray
operator.
maintain an appropriate supply of the relevant chemicals in consultation with the Operations Team
Leader (Ranges and Rangelands)
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
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keeping calibration records for spray equipment.
The NRM Officer will work towards building and maintaining a network of contacts to facilitate
achievement of objectives, for exchange of information and for mutual benefit, and:
 respectfully interact with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences responding positively to
their comments and suggestions
 build a strong network of professional and community contacts and actively work to maintain this
 build relationships of trust and co-operation with key stakeholders, identifying leaders and those
with influence
The NRM Officer will know the extent of personal knowledge and manage the gaps, and;
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source expert advice and request additional support when required
demonstrate good understanding of natural resource management
take responsibility for keeping abreast with current best practice natural resource management
techniques
The NRM Officer will recognise issues that impact on others; seek out and be open to input from other
key players before making decisions on these issues and
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keep key players involved and informed
encourage co-operation and collaboration from others
listen and interpret/identify issues
communicate information and support others in their understandings and judgements
develop ideas and solutions collaboratively and remain open to suggestions
involve key players, community/ landholders and stakeholders in critical decisions
actively seek feedback on the suitability and quality of management plans
Assist with the development of a regionally coordinated approach to community and landholder
education and understanding of animal and plant control issues by;
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implementing regional programs aimed at increasing acceptance and adoption of programs for the
control and/or eradication of pest species
establishing and maintaining a network of contacts with other regional NRM boards, the NRM
Groups, Local Councils, State Government and Commonwealth agencies
Contribute to compliance with NRM legal requirements by the regional community by;
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monitoring pest plant and pest animal populations and the activities required of landholders to
control those populations;
providing advice to the Operations Team Leader (Ranges and Rangelands) on the need for
compliance actions and effective strategies to progress them
administering compliance measures in association with other South Australian Government agencies
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
Contribute to the motivation, productivity, flexibility and morale of the Operations Team staff by;
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Contributing to the provision of a safe and healthy working environment, and participating in team
meetings
promoting the values which recognise individual differences, and ensuring fair and inclusive
treatment
complying with relevant legislation, policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct,
OHS&W legislative requirements
actively participating as a member of the Board’s Operations Team
Position Dimensions
Area of Operation:
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin NRM region.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Essential Education/Vocational Qualifications
Nil
Essential Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Demonstrated administration and computer skills, including the ability to collect, collate and manage
data bases and prepare management plans and meet a range of reporting requirements
Demonstrated skills in time management, in particular the ability to take initiative, plan and
prioritise own workload and work on a day to day basis under limited direction
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to proactively establish and maintain
effective and professional relationships and networks with a diverse range of people
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team and independently to achieve
objectives
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate
technical information in a format appropriate to a diverse audience for the purposes of education and
engagement
Demonstrated ability to assess and critically analyse data
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage, contracts and records
Essential Experience (including community experience).
 Experience in working as an effective member of a team
 Experience in working with groups of people
 Experience in developing and motivating others through mentoring, coaching and on-the-job training
Essential Knowledge
 Sound working knowledge of computer operations and common software packages
 Sound knowledge of farming systems
 Sound knowledge of the identification of weeds and the safe use of pesticides
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
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Sound knowledge of environmental management systems
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Desirable Education/Vocational Qualifications
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Diploma Conservation and Land Management Environmental Science, Agricultural Science or
Environmental Engineering
Certificate IV Conservation and Land Management (Vertebrate Pest Management)
Certificate III Conservation and Land Management ( Weed Management)
Natural Resources Investigations and Enforcement Certificate
Full Pest Technicians Licence
Desirable Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills
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Ability to deal with pressure, ambiguity and change
Ability to provide high quality customer service
Desirable Experience (including community experience).
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Experience in the navigation and driving of 4WD vehicles including reading and interpreting maps
Ability to effectively use GIS and ArcPad applications
Desirable Knowledge
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General understanding of the role of the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management
Board
Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies pertaining to natural resource management
Knowledge of information technology systems for the gathering, storage, analysis and reporting on
data
Knowledge of agricultural and/or horticultural systems, natural resource management and the animal
and plant control issues affecting primary industries and the environment
Understanding and knowledge of the OHS&W Act and Regulations
Sound understanding and knowledge of the safe handling and use of chemicals and pesticides
Significant knowledge of control techniques of declared plants and animals including the
identification of a broad range of weeds and the use of chemicals and pesticide
A broad knowledge of water resource issues and understanding of potential impacts of policies on
the quality and quantity of water
….. /…. /….
Examined
(Title)
Acknowledged
by occupant
…../…../…..
(Print name)
(Signature)
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JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS (Cont’d.)
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