Environmental Team Leader

Are you an experienced environmental field worker ready to take the next step into leadership?

Acacia is seeking a motivated and capable Environmental Team Leader to lead small field teams delivering environmental restoration and land management projects predominantly across Melbourne’s western suburbs. This role is a 6 month position with the possability of it being ongoing based on performance and business need. 

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, supporting others and taking responsibility for the safe and successful delivery of daily field activities. You will generally lead a team of one to three field team members and may also work alongside Senior Environmental Team Leaders and other Team Leaders on larger projects.

The position will have a strong focus on projects across Melbourne’s west, including native grasslands, waterways, conservation reserves, parks and open spaces. Some travel to other project locations across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria may also be required.

About Acacia

Acacia delivers environmental field and consulting services across reserves, waterways, parks and open spaces throughout greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Our teams undertake sensitive weed control, ecological restoration, revegetation, vegetation management and sustainable landscaping to protect biodiversity and enhance natural environments.

As Acacia continues to grow, we are looking for people who are ready to develop their leadership skills while continuing to deliver practical environmental work alongside their team.

The opportunity

As an Environmental Team Leader, you will coordinate daily site activities and guide team members to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to the required environmental and quality standards.

You will continue to participate in field work while providing practical leadership and support to your team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and working alongside a small environmental field team 
• Coordinating daily tasks, equipment, vehicles and materials 
• Allocating work to appropriately trained and capable team members 
• Conducting pre-starts, risk assessments, equipment checks and toolbox discussions 
• Ensuring work is completed in accordance with project specifications and Acacia’s procedures 
• Monitoring the safety, quality, productivity and progress of field activities 
• Providing practical instruction, coaching and on-the-job support 
• Checking on the safety and wellbeing of team members 
• Identifying and responding to safety, technical and environmental risks 
• Maintaining accurate daily records, including timesheets, chemical records and equipment checks 
• Communicating site progress, resource needs and potential issues to the Environmental Operations Lead 
• Supporting positive relationships with clients, stakeholders and members of the public 
• Identifying practical opportunities to improve safety, productivity and environmental outcomes 

This is an active field-based position involving physically demanding outdoor work in a range of weather and environmental conditions.

About you

You will have practical experience in environmental field work, conservation or land management and be ready to take greater responsibility for coordinating people and site activities.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience working within environmental, conservation or land management field teams 
• Previous experience leading, supervising or supporting other field workers 
• Knowledge of weed control, herbicide application and revegetation techniques 
• Native and introduced plant identification skills 
• Experience using environmental field tools, equipment and small plant 
• Strong safety awareness and the ability to identify and manage field-based risks 
• The ability to provide clear instructions and practical guidance 
• Good communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills 
• A reliable and constructive approach to leadership 
• The ability to complete field records using digital systems and applications 
• A current driver’s licence 
• Australian working rights 

A relevant TAFE or university qualification in Conservation and Land Management, Environmental Science, Agriculture or a related discipline would be highly regarded. Relevant industry experience may also be considered.

Other desirable qualifications and experience include:

• ChemCert or equivalent chemical-use training 
• ACUP permit 
• Construction Induction Card or White Card 
• Current first aid certificate 
• Chainsaw operation and maintenance training 
• Experience using GPS, mapping applications or digital field-management systems 
• A current Victorian manual driver’s licence 

Applicants do not need to meet every desirable criterion. This opportunity may suit an experienced environmental field worker who has started taking informal responsibility for others and is ready to move into a formal leadership position.

What we offer

• A hands-on environmental leadership opportunity 
• The chance to lead works across significant natural areas in Melbourne’s west 
• Varied projects across grasslands, waterways, bushland reserves, parks and open spaces 
• Support from experienced Senior Environmental Team Leaders and Environmental Operations Leads 
• Ongoing leadership and technical development 
• Opportunities to progress into senior leadership, technical and project-based roles 
• Competitive above-award remuneration based on experience, skills and qualifications 
• A supportive team committed to safety, quality and meaningful conservation outcomes 

Further information about Acacia is available on our website.