Applications Close: 5 November 2025
Environment Officer – Koalas and Private Land Conservation
Temporary Full-time position until June 2026
Hours: 35 hours a week + VDO every 19 days
Salary: $52.31 - $60.80 per hour + 12% Superannuation

Are you committed to environmental conservation and ready to play a key role in protecting koalas and enhancing biodiversity on private land? This is your opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a significant regional conservation initiative.

What you'll do

As the Environment Officer – Koalas and Private Land Conservation, you’ll report to the Coordinator Natural Resource Projects and be responsible for delivering the Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project and private land conservation outcomes.

The Environment Officer – Koalas and Private Land Conservation will be responsible for:

Delivering the final stage of the four-year NSW koala regional partnership with the state government (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water).

Coordination of the delivery of both core and highly suitable koala habitat maps and a koala corridor map for Wingecarribee Shire.

Community engagement and education to improve conservation outcomes for koalas through social media posts, newsletters and other methods

Planning, promotion and delivery of the autumn tree giveaway

Administration of Land for Wildlife, Habitat for Wildlife and the Koala Club

Liaison with the community regarding koala sightings and data uploads to NSW BioNet.

Implementation of actions to improve the safety and health of koalas particularly through the koala breeding season to the end February 2026.

Collaborating with other teams across Council to improve outcomes for koalas and biodiversity conservation on private land.

Why Wingecarribee?

Wingecarribee Shire Council is the Local Government Authority (LGA) for the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales. We are a thriving regional centre located midway between Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong and is a recognised place of arts, culture and style for our visitors and our community. A great place to explore the abundance of outdoor activities or to raise a family with a range of excellent health and educational options for all ages. It’s the place to be! Our values Resilience, Empathy, Safety, Pride, Efficiency, Courage, and Teamwork are principles that guide how we work, support our community, and drive positive change every day. Join us in making Wingecarribee the best place in NSW for all generations to live, work, and thrive!

You can also enjoy:

Attractive salary package + 12% superannuation

variable day off every 19 days

Health & wellbeing initiatives – Fitness Passport, EAP and Flu Vaccines

Career development & learning support – Tertiary assistance available

Flexible working arrangements – WFH opportunities

Community & social engagement – Enjoy opportunities to participate in local events, team-building activities, and community initiatives that bring our staff and residents together.

Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

What you'll need

Tertiary qualifications in Applied Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Conservation and Land Management or associated disciplines.

Demonstrated experience in effective stakeholder engagement (and negotiating) with landholders, groups and the wider community to deliver biodiversity conservation and incentive programs including the implementation of on-ground works programs with stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience in either natural area restoration and management, ecological communities or species management, or habitat connectivity and conservation.

Demonstrated experience in contract and project management, including procurement.

Well-developed computer skills including demonstrated experience in word processing, Microsoft Office suite, and related Council business software packages.

Demonstrated understanding and experience in the practical application of GIS software (ArcGIS preferred).

Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision, set priorities and balance competing demands.

Demonstrated ability to communicate to diverse audiences for example, through media, and at public workshops and events

Other requirements

Current NSW Drivers Licence (Class C) with the ability to drive manual and 4WD vehicles

Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain before commencement

Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain before commencement

National Police Check or willingness to obtain before commencement

How to Apply

Be part of a meaningful initiative protecting koalas and conserving our natural environment.

Submit the following documents:

Resume (CV): A current resume outlining your relevant skills, experience, and employment history.

Relevant Certifications: Copies of any qualifications, licenses, or accreditations required for the role.

Statement of Claims: A completed Statement of Claims form addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the position description. Use this document to provide detailed examples demonstrating how your skills, experience, and qualifications meet each essential criteria.

Have Questions?

Please contact Karen Guymer, Coordinator Natural Resource Projects on 0428 286 467.

Applications Close: 5 November 2025

Wingecarribee Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, and persons with a disability. If you require reasonable adjustments during our application process, please contact us at [email protected], by phone on 02 4868 0888 or by visiting our office at 68 Elizabeth St, Moss Vale.