Biosecurity Officer - Weeds - 12 Month Term Contract (Maternity Relief)

Description:

Biosecurity Officer - Weeds - 12 Month Term Contract
(Maternity Relief)

Cowra is located within beautiful Central NSW on the banks of the Lachlan River. It is approximately one hour from the regional hubs of Bathurst and Orange, two hours from Canberra and four hours from Sydney. The town is situated at the intersection of three state highways; the Mid-Western Highway, the Olympic Highway and the Lachlan Valley Way, making it a central hub for travel, freight and logistics.

Covering 2810 square kilometres, the shire includes a number of small villages which feed into the Cowra township and contribute to the shires’ agricultural and cultural growth. These villages include Billimari, Darbys Falls, Gooloogong, Morongla, Noonbinna, Wattamondara, Woodstock and Wyangala. Cowra is a town with deep historical ties to Japan and is regarded as a centre for peace. Its public identity became a part of World War II history with the Cowra Breakout of 1944. This tragic event in the town’s history led Cowra to focus on promoting the values of friendship and reconciliation, something which the town still projects today.

Not only is Cowra a historical town, it is a town with a love for food and wine. It is surrounded by vineyards and grazing rich farmlands with quality restaurants and cafes, and also includes endless water and camping opportunities with Wyangala Dam only a short drive away. Cowra is a growing community with a number of primary and high school education options, health centres, sporting clubs, community groups and limitless weekend activities. It is the perfect place to raise a family, study, work or retire.

Cowra Council employs over 200 full time equivalent staff, our vision is to be a leading, innovative and creative community, proud of our place in history and offering opportunity with the best of country living. The region enjoys a range of economic, social, educational and health services with a welcoming community that embraces new members from all backgrounds. We strive to provide, maintain and extend Council services to improve the quality of life for residents throughout the Shire. We aim to actively lead, facilitate and foster sustainable development and wealth generating opportunities through agricultural, industrial, commercial and tourism growth.

We are looking for an experienced Environmental professional with a passion for weed biosecurity to join our team. As a Biosecurity Officer with Cowra Council, you will utilise your working knowledge of current and emerging biosecurity issues to advise customers and stakeholders to ensure that the weed biosecurity objectives of the region are met. This will involve surveillance and investigation activities, weed management and emergency planning & response activities.

To be successful in this role, you will be passionate about biosecurity which will ensure that you effectively engage with customers and stakeholders to communicate sound advice and apply appropriate regulations as they relate to the Biosecurity Act 2015. You will balance role requirements in an environment which is technically complex and often unpredictable and where emergency situations can take precedence over planned activities.

Duties of this position include;

• Organise and undertake prioritised weed control activities for routine maintenance.
• Undertake weed biosecurity inspections on private and public land and implement remedial action and/or weed notices as determined.
• Co-ordinate and deliver weed management and maintenance projects.
• Assist in the development and delivery of public education programs.
• Collect, monitor, record and collate data associated with weed management projects and maintenance programs.

It is desirable that applicants hold a certificate in science, environmental science, agriculture, horticulture, bush regeneration or conversation and land management. The successful applicant will have;

• Experience in weed control, environmental science, agriculture or bush regeneration.
• A genuine customer service approach with a history of proven delivery of high levels of customer service.
• Experience in the operation of small plant and spray equipment for weed control.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution & report writing skills

If you are passionate about helping local communities to manage biosecurity risks and emergency situations, then we want to hear from you.

• Employment conditions are in accordance with the Local Government (State) Award
• Candidates must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position

Please click on the link for a full copy of the Position Description.

For further enquiries please contact Manager - Cowra Services Rod Hayes on 0409 694 712.

Before you apply for this position, please read the position description carefully to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position. You will be required to answer questions relating to the selection criteria on the online application below, your answers will be accessed and rated, so please ensure you take time in providing your answers and give examples of demonstrated experience when requested.

You will also be asked to attach your current resume which should include two employment related referees. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory, but may be added if so desired.

Cowra Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise at time of application.

Applications Close: 5.00pm Sunday 17 August 2025