Field Officer (Ranger)

Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Field Officer (Ranger) - Yourka to join the North team.

Yourka Reserve lies within the Einasleigh Uplands and Wet Tropics bioregions, where rainforests give wet to moist eucalypt forests, ironbark and lemon-scented gum woodlands, granite outcrops and riverine corridors that support an extraordinary diversity of threatened wildlife. 

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation
• Positively contribute to healing and protecting Country
• Option to live at Yourka Reserve in North Qld, Accommodation provided, on a roster in single person accommodation
• Additional Annual leave
• $68, 281 - $75, 868, plus 12% super 

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

The Field Officer (Ranger) will work with the Reserve Manager to ensure the day-to-day management of the Reserve meets the goals of the Reserve Management Plan and Bush Heritage. 

As a Reserve based position, the Field Officer (Ranger) will manage and work in collaboration with Ecologists and other non-reserve staff to contribute to the management and operation of Yourka Reserve. Specifically, it is essential that you have relevant work experience for this role as documented in this Position Description.

The position is based at Yourka reserve approx. 3 hrs from Cairns on the southern Atherton Tablelands. It is a remote location with periods of isolation during wet weather. 

To be successful you will be able to:

• Carry out general rural and station maintenance such as repairing boundary fences, checking and maintaining water points and reticulation systems, maintaining access tracks and roads, undertaking basic steel and timber fabrication, and operating and servicing plant and equipment to keep the reserve running safely and efficiently. 
• Contribute to planned burns and support bushfire preparedness and containment activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of a small team while understanding how day to day tasks contribute to broader conservation goals. 
• Think on your feet, adapt to changing conditions and solve practical problems in the field.
• Take pride in your work, maintain high standards and approach tasks with a strong and reliable work ethic. 

• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.

• Demonstrated and practical work experience in land management and natural resource management.

• Demonstrated experience in health and safety risk assessment procedures and requirements in a rural environment.

• High level of physical fitness to undertake required manual activities.

• Ability to undertake practical skills relating to mechanic, infrastructure, plant and equipment maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member under both direct and remote supervision.

• Ability to collaborate, work well with and supervise staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors.

• Ability to communicate well in both written and oral forms.

• Experience in working and living in remote areas or have the ability and resilience to work and live in remote areas.

• Current drivers’ licence with 4WD experience, first aid certificate, rural chemical user ACDC. basic firefighting and chainsaw certificates.

What sets us apart

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year. We also offer cultural leave, menstrual/gender-based leave and gender transition leave. 

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning. 

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers. 

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

Bush Heritage Australia actively supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff through a connected workforce community and Leadership Group that informs our work and strengthens cultural capability. We celebrate and foster Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership at all levels and across all parts of our organisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged. 

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Don't miss out! Apply now!

Applications close: Wednesday the 30th of September at 11:30pm AEST.