Hornsby Shire Council

Waterway Programs Officer

Permanent Full Time position

Salary: $75,243 to $101,416 per annum (based on 70 hours per fortnight), plus superannuation and a 9 day fortnight.

Appointed salary in this range will be based on skills, qualifications and experience.

We're looking for a proactive and creative person to join our Catchments Team! This diverse role involves both analytical and strategic work, along with fieldwork and collaboration with key partners in the beautiful Hornsby Shire.

About Us

Hornsby Shire is located on Sydney's upper north shore, approximately 25 kilometres north of the CBD. Known as the ‘Bushland Shire’, our local government area is characterised by bushland comprising national park, major waterways, natural reserves and rural landscape. The rest of the Shire combines urban, rural and open spaces. We are a diverse and inclusive Council and we encourage candidates from different backgrounds to apply.

About the role

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural environment? We’re looking for a dedicated professional to play a key role in the strategic delivery of Hornsby’s water catchment and estuary management programs. This full-time, ongoing position offers an exciting opportunity to combine fieldwork, research, and strategic planning to make a real impact on our catchments and waterways.

This role offers a variety of work environments, from the beautiful outdoors of our bushland shire and the scenic Hawkesbury estuary to laboratory work and collaboration with a passionate team of environmental officers in our modern Hornsby office.

As part of our dynamic team, you’ll contribute to:

• Strategic Programs - Support the planning, monitoring, education, and research initiatives that drive our waterway and catchment management.
• Stakeholder Collaboration - Provide expert advice to internal teams, external stakeholders, and community.
• Field and Compliance Work - Assist with compliance investigations, ensuring sustainable practices across our catchments.
• Coordination - Manage contractors, consultants, and resources to deliver effective environmental outcomes.

Your work environment will be as diverse as your role, spanning:

• Office and Lab Work - Utilize our modern open-plan office and small laboratory facilities.
• Fieldwork Adventures - Visit up to 50 monitoring sites, including remote bushland areas accessible only by 4WD or boat. Be prepared for early starts, long days, and hands-on challenges in the great outdoors.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Tasks - Drive 4WDs, operate boats, and conduct fieldwork to monitor and maintain water quality.
• Administrative Duties - Manage grants, budgets, and scheduling; calibrate monitoring equipment.
• Responsive Action - Address unscheduled tasks like compliance issues, customer inquiries, and special requests from leadership.

About you

We’re looking for a proactive and creative individual to help manage catchments and estuaries in the beautiful Hornsby region.

In this role, you'll use your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking to gather, analyze, and present data to diverse audiences, from technical experts to community stakeholders. You'll also take a hands-on approach to outdoor work, planning and executing projects that make a tangible difference to our waterways.

What we’re looking for:

• A strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Flexibility to thrive in both structured and dynamic situations.
• A NSW Class C Driver’s Licence (essential).
• Boating experience and/or a Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal certificate (desirable).

As part of our Environment Branch, you’ll also play a key role in securing grants, collaborating with a supportive team, and safeguarding our waterways for future generations.

If you’re ready to embrace a varied and rewarding role, apply today to join us in making a real impact!

Benefits of working with us!

We pride ourselves on having a fantastic culture with a genuine appreciation for work-life balance. Visit www.hornsby.gov.au/careers and click on 'what we offer' to learn about the wonderful benefits available at Hornsby Council.

For further information and to apply, please visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/careers

Closing date: 9 February 2025 at 11.30pm