Project Officer - Invasive Species

• Choice of location, Pinjarra and/or Waroona
• Fulltime or 0.8 FTE Part time

  About Us

The Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group is a not-for-profit organisation operating under the Associations Incorporation Act 2014. It is a recognised biosecurity group under the Western Australia Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and receives funding from the Declared Pest Account (DPA) administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.  The DPA is made up of funds collected by a Declared Pest Rate on landowners in the Peel Harvey operational area who hold more than one hectare, and matched dollar for dollar by the state government.  The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 stipulates what Declared Pest Rates can be spent on, including the following:

• To promote public awareness of the measures being taken, or required to be taken, to control declared pests.
• To carry out measures to control declared pests.
• To purchase capital assets required in connection with the above activities.

About the role

The PHBG Project Officer will be responsible for the success and delivery of the PHBG Cross Tenure Invasive Species Project (CRISP). This project seeks to use DPA funding to support the control of established declared pests on publicly managed land within the operational area of the PHBG. The PHBG Special Project Officer will need to exhibit a high level of autonomy with developed project management skills. 

The Project Officer will carry out a pivotal role in planning, developing and implementing an innovative and strategic project at a regional scale. The outcomes will directly protect and enhance biosecurity outcomes within the PHBG operation area. 

The role is responsible for the end to end management of the special project life cycle, from early development to completion including project delivery, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The incumbent will be required to form effective working relationships with stakeholder agencies and communities in the development and implementation of the project to ensure targets are met. 

The Special Project Officer role leverages existing knowledge and drives innovation with stakeholders involved with the planning, delivery and evaluation of biosecurity objectives included in the annual PHBG operation plan, project plan and aligning with the PHBG Strategic Blueprint.

The key responsibilities of this role are:

• Oversee the delivery of the PHBG Cross Tenure Invasive Species Project including the management of relationships and on-ground works of external delivery partners to ensure tasks are reported and delivered on time and on budget.
• Coordination and completion of internal and external and/or collaborative project reporting and budgeting requirements.
• Working with local, regional and national stakeholders, identify opportunities for future projects and partnerships that align with the PHBG strategic and operational plans.
• Develop and present PHBG’s achievements and learnings at events, workshops and conferences.
• Assist in the development and implementation of cross-tenure multi-species management plans.
• Provide information and training in best practice methods of integrated management and coordinated control of Invasive Species.
• Build strong relationships with the local communities within the PHBG operational area as well as with PHBG staff and committee.
• Support the achievement of the PHBG’s mission and constitutional objectives, with particular focus on assisting land managers to control declared pests identified as a priority in the PHBG’s operational area.
• Support the public interface of the PHBG to promote a positive image in the PHBG’s operational area and develop and maintain community support for public funding of biosecurity services.
• Actively develop a broad range of stakeholders who value and support the PHBG’s activities.
• Develop and expand operational capability in order to implement operational plans 

to best meet land managers needs in accordance with the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. 

• Represent the PHBG’s interests through membership of relevant organisations and committees and attendance at various forums aligned with management of biosecurity in the PHBG’s operational area.
• Monitor and analyse trends in social, political, industry and environmental fields to ensure responsiveness to developing opportunities in biosecurity management, and existing and predicted external pressures on the PHBG.
• Manage day-to-day program operations of the PHBG to the highest standards of ethical behaviour and fiduciary duty in the application of public funds for employee and community purposes.
• Ensure the PHBG is a highly effective customer-oriented biosecurity organisation that meets the needs of key stakeholders throughout the Peel Harvey region.

  About You

We are looking for someone who meets the criteria below and is keen to work Fulltime or 0.8 FTE.

You can choose which location you would prefer to work from in Pinjarra and/or Waroona. Remote working arrangements (working from home) will also be considered.
Laptop and Phone provided, and the use of organisational vehicle where available. 

The salary package includes a base salary of $70k- $80k pa pro rata dependent on experience and 11% superannuation.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Degree in NRM, Agriculture, Environmental or other relevant discipline or substantial experience in a relevant field.
• Extensive skills and experience in similar roles.
• Project management accreditation or demonstrated experience in project management.
• Ability to effectively supervise and support direct reports for optimal performance.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and prioritise work loads.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Written, verbal and digital communication skills of a high standard.
• Interpersonal skills, including ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiation and conflict resolutions skills.
• High level written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under limited direction
• Responsible for following organisation policies and procedures
• Exercise a degree of autonomy and/or delegated authority where appropriate
• Ability to deliver program objectives on time
• Assist in preparation of project budget 

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience of working in a not-for-profit organisation and with a voluntary management committee.
• Knowledge of the area serviced by the PHBG, particularly in relation to declared pests.
• Experience living or working in the Peel Harvey
• Established professional and community networks in the area serviced by the PHBG.
• Experience in the use of G-Suite including Docs, Sheets, Forms, Sites and Drive.

General

The following are considered basic prerequisites for the position.

• Australian residency or eligibility to legally work in Australia.
• Current ‘C’ class driver’s license and reliable car with ability to travel in the Peel Harvey Region
• Ability to obtain National Police Check.
• High level of capacity for self-motivation, developed time management skills, and an ability to meet deadlines.

Applications

Please send your application including a resume and a cover letter stating how you meet the criteria to *******@hmsolutions.com.au

For information on the role please feel free to contact Teele Hooper-Worrell *********@phbg.org or phone 0474 242 *** 

Closing date 13th March 2024