Biosecurity Weeds Officer

About the role

Yass Valley Council is seeking a Biosecurity Weeds Officer to join its Environment & Regulatory Services team and help protect the local community, environment and agricultural assets from invasive weeds. Working within the council's biosecurity and weeds program, the officer carries out weed inspections, compliance activities, control programs and community engagement across the local government area. The position is permanent and full time, based in the Council Administration Building in Yass.

Key responsibilities

• Inspect and monitor priority weeds on public and private land, identify them and assess infestations in line with NSW biosecurity legislation and local priorities
• Advise landholders, residents, contractors and other stakeholders on weed identification, control and prevention
• Carry out weed control using chemical and non-chemical methods, and issue notices and run compliance activities where required
• Prepare inspection notices, consult with landholders about results and act on the actions needed to manage priority weeds
• Implement an education and awareness program to raise community knowledge of weed management and biosecurity duties
• Investigate and enforce the Biosecurity Act 2015, regulations and delegated legislation, and schedule and supervise weed control on council-owned land
• Report weed maps in the Biosecurity Information System and council GIS software, and represent council on community or agency committees on weed management
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, treatments and compliance activities

Required profile

• Substantial experience in an agricultural or natural resources management field
• Demonstrated knowledge of weed identification and management, and the ability to advise a wide range of people
• Understanding of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW) and relevant weed management requirements, or the ability to learn them quickly
• Current NSW Class C driver licence and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain
• Highly regarded: Traffic Controllers Certificate, Chemcert training, four-wheel drive experience and local government weed management experience

Required skills

• Negotiation, problem solving, conflict resolution and public relations skills
• Communication, report writing and record keeping
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and case management systems

What we offer

• A varied role contributing to regional biosecurity outcomes
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Council benefits and flexible working arrangements where applicable

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and pass pre-employment checks. Applications are made through the online form with a resume and cover letter.