The Hills Shire Council

Senior Biodiversity Officer or Biodiversity Officer

About the Role

Our Environment & Health team has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to join the team. As a Senior/Biodiversity officer, you will provide technical advice on biodiversity/ ecology matters, act as Council’s expert in Court in ecology, prepare and adapt Council’s existing codes and policies, evaluate and report on biodiversity strategies

What you will be doing:

• Assessment of development applications/planning proposals considering biodiversity matters;
• Provide specialist assessment of relevant technical reports and documents;
• Inspect areas of native vegetation and determine applications for clearing;
• Assess, research, document and resolve customer requests;
• Carry out duties under the EP&A Act, biodiversity conservation/local government act and relevant policies;
• Review vegetation management plans, development applications and planning proposals;
• Prepare statement of basic facts, contentions, briefs of evidence, affidavits and appear in Court as an expert witness [Senior]
• Provide mentoring and training of team members [Senior]

What are we seeking in our new team member:

• Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management or similar relevant qualifications;
• Accreditation as a Biodiversity Assessment Method Assessor [ Senior]
• Competency in use of GIS
• Current Class C Drivers Licence
• Experience in ecological survey techniques, including plant and vegetation community identification and various fauna survey methods;
• Working knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Local Government Act, Biodiversity Conservation Act and Planning for Bushfire Protection Guidelines;
• Positive contributing team player, experience in dealing with customers with an ability to deal with and solve protracted enquiries;

Position Details:

Biodiversity Officer

Permanent full-time role, salary starting from $91K + Superannuation + Car Allowance of $14,181

Senior Biodiversity Officer

Permanent full-time role, 3+ year’s experience, salary starting from $108K + Superannuation + Car Allowance of $14,181.

Benefits of working with us:

Along with a competitive rates of pay, being paid weekly, paid training to keep your skills up to date, discounted membership to Waves Fitness & Aquatics Centre, free on-site undercover parking, onsite café, modern office and an active Social Club.

Next steps:

Please review the Position Description available on Council’s Careers Page and submit your application online at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au by 5pm on 23 May 2025. As applications will be processed upon receipt, early submission is encouraged.

Please contact Council’s HR Team at hr@thehills.nsw.gov.au if you require any assistance with submitting your application or require further information about the role or the organisation.

Employment will be subject to clearance on the following pre-employment checks: Psychometric Testing, Reference Checks, Identity Check, Drug and Alcohol Screening and Medical Check, and may also include a Criminal History and Working with Children Check. The Hills Shire Council is committed to the principles of employment equity and diversity. We assess applications on merit and suitability related to the inherent requirements of the position. Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

We're seeking individuals who embrace our values and can work collaboratively to deliver quality customer services and infrastructure to The Hills Shire community.