Wildlife Officer In Charge

The Wildlife Officer in Charge role is part of the Southern Wildlife Operations team. The team operates in southern Queensland to deliver services to conserve and protect native and threatened wildlife and associated habitat—with particular focus on:
• Regulation of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to deliver protected wildlife compliance and enforcement.
• Providing safe interaction between people and wildlife, particularly relating to positive human/crocodile interactions.
• Working with the community to build positive interactions between the public and wildlife.
• Applied research to assist in the development of innovative wildlife management strategies.

The Wildlife Officer in Charge role has a focus on managing response to crocodiles and overseeing crocodile management skills development across the team.
Experience working with crocodiles is desirable.

Wildlife Officers within the Department of Environment and Science work to protect, conserve and manage the sustainable use of Queensland's native wildlife. The work is regionally based and delivered throughout Queensland with support provided by central office in Brisbane CBD. Wildlife Officers are an integral part of the units within the Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations Branch of QPWS & Partnerships and provide a range of services, including advice, assessment and auditing of permits and other authorities under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and subordinate legislation and operational delivery of services to conserve and protect wildlife and associated habitat.

The Branch plays a vital role in delivering effective conservation and regulatory outcomes for Queensland's native species and ecosystems and their safe interaction with the community generally.

The Wildlife Officer in Charge role is part of the Southern Wildlife Operations team.
The team operates in southern Queensland to deliver services to conserve and protect native and threatened wildlife and associated habitat—with particular focus on:
• Regulation of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to deliver protected wildlife compliance and enforcement.
• Providing safe interaction between people and wildlife, particularly relating to positive human/crocodile interactions.
• Working with the community to build positive interactions between the public and wildlife.
• Applied research to assist in the development of innovative wildlife management strategies.

The Wildlife Officer in Charge will develop and implement plans to deliver on strategic and operational objectives relating to crocodile management within Southern Wildlife Operations.  They will provide guidance and oversight in development and maintenance of crocodile management knowledge, competencies, and equipment. Success in this role will require working closely with other business units within the branch.

Experience and skills working with crocodiles and an appropriate certificate of competency for operating and crewing aboard domestic commercial vessels are highly desirable for this  role. 

Specifically, you will:
• Manage and lead teams in direct interaction with wildlife, including the safe capture, handling and management, of crocodiles and other dangerous fauna.
• Operate vehicles and vessels, including driving and maintenance as well as mentoring and training others in the safe operation.
• Interpret legislation, regulations and other guidelines relating to the operational function of the team.
• Comply with work health and safety policies and procedure and facilitate continuous improvement.
• Undertake and manage compliance and enforcement activities that includes investigating environmental complaints and exercise of regulatory powers (training provided by the department).
• Undertake and organise field monitoring activities (e.g. flying-fox roost monitoring, crocodile population survey) including the ability to work at night, travel regularly and in remote situations.
• Assess and provide authoritative advice on permit applications under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and subordinate legislation key responsibility.
• Provide response services in relation to wildlife incidents, including AIIMS based incident response.
• Provide advice to senior Management, community groups, industry and the general public, and all levels of government on wildlife management.
• Ensure government record keeping systems are maintained.

Applications to remain current for 12 months