Senior Invasive Species Officer

Sutherland Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 86,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Wellbeing program

Novated lease

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking a Senior Invasive Species Officer to lead planning, coordination and delivery of priority weed and invasive animal control programs across the Shire. You will apply technical expertise and leadership to protect native ecosystems while meeting biosecurity obligations.

You'll oversee field works, supervise contractors, provide expert advice to residents and stakeholders, and identify grant funding opportunities to support environmental outcomes.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Conservation & Ecosystem Management, Bush Regeneration, Horticulture or equivalent required.
• AQF3 Chemical Application accreditation required.
• NSW Working with Children Check required.
• NSW Class C Driver Licence required.
• Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Conservation Management, Biology or related preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate priority weed and invasive animal management programs.
• Supervise contractors and support delivery of on-ground control works, inspections and surveys.
• Provide expert advice to residents, community groups and stakeholders on invasive species management.
• Identify, prepare and manage grant funding opportunities that support environmental outcomes.
• Monitor program performance and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Council policies and best practice standards.
• Contribute to protection and enhancement of the Shire's natural areas through sustainable management practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Community engagement

Planning & organisational

Contractor supervision

Grant management

Education

Certificate IV in Conservation & Ecosystem Management, Bush Regeneration, Horticulture or equivalent

AQF3 Chemical Application accreditation

NSW Working with Children Check

NSW Class C Driver Licence

Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Conservation Management, Biology or related

Job description

Protect Our Environment. Lead Meaningful Change.

Are you passionate about protecting the natural environment and tackling some of the biggest threats to biodiversity?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Invasive Species Officer to lead the planning, coordination and delivery of priority weed and invasive animal control programs across the Shire. This is an exciting opportunity to combine your technical expertise, leadership skills and community engagement abilities to make a lasting impact on our natural landscapes.

In this rewarding role, you'll work across a diverse range of bushland, open space and environmental assets, leading on-ground programs that help safeguard native ecosystems while supporting Council's biosecurity obligations and environmental objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and coordinate priority weed and invasive animal management programs
• Supervise contractors and support the delivery of on-ground control works, inspections and surveys
• Provide expert advice to residents, community groups and stakeholders on invasive species management
• Identify, prepare and manage grant funding opportunities that support environmental outcomes
• Monitor program performance and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Council policies and best practice standards
• Contribute to the protection and enhancement of the Shire's natural areas through innovative and sustainable management practices

About You

You are a proactive environmental professional with a strong understanding of invasive species management and the ability to translate strategy into practical outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Certificate IV in Conservation & Ecosystem Management, Bush Regeneration, Horticulture or equivalent
• AQF3 Chemical Application accreditation
• White Card and current NSW Class C Driver Licence
• NSW Working with Children Check
• Demonstrated experience delivering environmental or natural area management programs
• Strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills
• Experience supervising contractors and coordinating operational works
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills
• Experience preparing and managing grants and project budgets

Highly Regarded

• Vertebrate Pest Management qualifications
• Biosecurity training
• First Aid certification
• Traffic Control qualifications
• Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science, Conservation Management, Biology or a related discipline

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

If you're looking for a role where you can combine field work, leadership, environmental expertise and community engagement, we'd love to hear from you.

• Get your application in by 11.59pm: 17 September2026
• Package: $85,907 to $91,059 per annum plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Working 38 hours per week over a 9 day fortnight
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Nathan Clare (Coordinator Bushland) [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries.
Nicole Jorgenson (HR Business Partner) [e-mail] can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Sutherland Shire Council values the skills and attributes Veterans can bring to our Council. We understand that transitioning to roles outside of Defence can feel challenging. If you're unsure where to begin or would appreciate guidance throughout the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.