Biosecurity Weeds Officer

Yass Valley Council; Canberra, Yass Valley; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Council benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Yass Valley Council is seeking a Biosecurity Weeds Officer to protect the local environment and agricultural assets from invasive weeds across the LGA. The role combines field-based weed management, regulatory compliance, inspections and stakeholder engagement.

You'll undertake weed inspections, advise landholders, implement control programs and contribute to mapping and reporting while working in varied outdoor environments and with a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in agricultural or natural resources management.
• Knowledge of weed identification and management practices.
• Ability to advise landholders and stakeholders on weed control techniques.
• Strong written and oral communication and report writing skills.
• Understanding NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 or willingness to learn.
• Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork in varying weather.
• Experience with weed mapping and program planning.

Responsibilities

• Undertake inspections and surveillance for priority weeds across public and private land.
• Identify weeds and assess infestations per NSW biosecurity legislation.
• Provide advice to landholders and stakeholders on weed control techniques.
• Undertake weed control activities using chemical and non-chemical methods.
• Issue notices and undertake compliance activities when required.
• Maintain accurate inspection, treatment and compliance records.
• Assist with community education and weed prevention programs.
• Work with councils, landholders, contractors and agencies to achieve outcomes.
• Operate vehicles and equipment safely.
• Contribute to weed mapping, monitoring and program planning.

Skills

Weed identification

Natural resources experience

Negotiation & resolution

Public relations

Communication & reporting

MS Office

Case management systems

Driver licence NSW Class C

Fieldwork weather

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

4WD vehicle operation

Job description

Location: Yass, NSW
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Category: Environment & Regulatory Services
Salary Range: $74,623.64 - $80,593.88 per annum plus 12% Superannuation
Closing Date: 2.11.26

Join our team and help protect our local environment, agriculture and community from the impacts of invasive weeds.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and practical Biosecurity Weeds Officer to join our team and play an important role in protecting the local community, environment and agricultural assets from invasive weeds.

Working within the Council's biosecurity and weeds program, you will undertake weed inspections, compliance activities, control programs and community engagement across the local government area.

This is a varied role that combines field-based weed management, regulatory compliance, property inspections, stakeholder engagement and environmental protection.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake inspections and surveillance for priority weeds across public and private land.
• Identify weeds and assess infestations in accordance with NSW biosecurity legislation and local weed management priorities.
• Provide advice and assistance to landholders, residents, contractors and other stakeholders regarding weed identification, control and prevention.
• Undertake weed control activities using appropriate chemical and non-chemical methods.
• Issue notices and undertake compliance activities where required.
• Maintain accurate inspection, treatment and compliance records.
• Assist with community education, awareness and weed prevention programs.
• Work with Council staff, landholders, contractors, government agencies and other stakeholders to deliver effective biosecurity outcomes.
• Operate vehicles, equipment and technology required to undertake field activities safely and effectively.
• Contribute to weed mapping, monitoring, reporting and program planning.

About you

You will have:

• Substantial experience in an agricultural or natural resources management field
• Demonstrated knowledge in the identification of weeds and weed management practices and the ability to provide advice on weed control techniques to a wide variety of people
• Demonstrated negotiation, problem solving, conflict resolution and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated high-quality communication and report writing skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Microsoft suite of products and case management systems.
• An understanding of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) and relevant NSW weed management requirements, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with landholders and the community.
• Good written and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently in challenging outdoor environments and as part of a team.
• A current NSW Class C Driver Licence.
• A willingness and ability to undertake fieldwork in varying weather and terrain.

Traffic Controllers Certificate, Chemcert Training , demonstrated experience in the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle & experience in Weed Management in Local Government will be highly regarded.

What we offer

• A varied and rewarding role protecting our local environment and community.
• The opportunity to make a practical contribution to regional biosecurity outcomes.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Council benefits and flexible working arrangements, where applicable.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for this position, Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and pass relevant pre-employment checks.

Yass Valley Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.

The Welcome Experience

The Welcome Experience is a free service for workers and their families who are considering moving to or have moved to regional NSW. Local Connectors make moving easier by helping you find a home, schools, childcare, job opportunities for your partner, and connections within the community.

Learn more at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/makethemove/welcome-experience