Job Title

The Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group''s Landcare Facilitator will support Landcare and environmental volunteer groups/networks within the Southern Ballarat area to build capacity and resilience, and to enable groups/networks to undertake works that protect, enhance and restore the land and natural environment.The Landcare Facilitator role will have a strong focus on building group and network capacity, rather than dependency, to enable groups and networks to become sustainable.Community engagement experience, natural resource management knowledge, communication skills, stakeholder management, planning and computer literacy are required, along with a collaborative, engaging approach. Previous experience working with Landcare, Friends of groups, or other environmental volunteer groups, is desirable.This position is funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning''s (DELWP) 2025-28 Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program.Employment type: Fixed term, 0.4 FTE with the possibility of extending to 0.6 FTE.Hours of Work: Flexible, ideally hours spread across at least 3 days.Work location: Work from home.Reports to: Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group Board.Our OrganisationThe Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group (YLCG) is a community-driven organisation dedicated to the stewardship of the Yarrowee, Leigh and Woady Yaloak rivers and their surrounding ecosystems. Established over 25 years ago our group has been working collaboratively with local landowners, government agencies and stakeholders to promote sustainable land and water management practices. We aim to support our network of Landcare groups and community-based natural resource management groups and community.The Leigh Catchment Group works across 1,661 square kilometres, encompassing the Yarrowee, Leigh, and northern Woady Yaloak River catchments. The Leigh River originates northeast of Ballarat as the Yarrowee River, which becomes the Leigh River at its confluence with Williamson''s Creek, eventually flowing into the Barwon River at Inverleigh. The Yarrowee River, known as Yaramlok in the Wadawurrung language, meaning "gum tree growing in water", is a perennial river within the Corangamite catchment. Rising in the hills near Gong Gong, it flows through Ballarat, crossing the City of Ballarat area before transitioning into the Leigh River.The Woady Yaloak River, known in the Wadawurrung language as Wurdi-yaluk, meaning "large water," rises below Black Hill, west of Ballarat. It flows southward, joined by three minor tributaries, passing through Smythesdale, Scarsdale, and Cressy before emptying into Lake Martin and eventually Lake Corangamite.Our Vision: Creating connected and resilient communities dedicated to healing the environment and increasing biodiversity.Our Mission: Protect, Restore, and Empower. Through community engagement, education, and collaborative action, we strive to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and promote the ecological health and resilience of our local ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.Key stakeholdersThe Landcare Facilitator will provide support services to the The Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group, its member groups, and rural landholders.The Landcare Facilitator will also develop and foster effective collaborative relationships with government, agencies and other Landcare staff, including:DELWP''s Victorian Landcare Program staff.Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, including Regional Landcare Coordinator.Traditional Owners.ManagerThe Landcare Facilitator will report to the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group Executive Team (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary).The Executive Team will meet regularly with the Landcare Facilitator to check on progress, and to plan and report on the delivery of the work priorities. The Executive Team can also provide guidance and support for any work-related HR or safety matters.BoardThe Landcare Facilitator will be required to provide written reports to the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group Board and attend board meetings where possible. The Executive Team in conjunction with the Facilitator will prepare and oversee the implementation of the yearly Landcare Facilitator Work Plan and annual reporting to DEECA.AccountabilitiesThe Landcare Facilitator requires the following outputs:Development and delivery of on-ground natural resource management projects.Securing project grants and leveraging funding opportunities.Community engagement, collaboration, and partnership building across government, agencies, landholders and community groups.Building community capacity to support resilient groups, networks and communities.Project planning, priority setting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.Delivery of waterway and biodiversity education programs from preschool to tertiary level.Experience working closely with Landcare and environmental volunteer groups.Staff training and mentoring.Website and social media updates.Delivery of community engagement and capacity-building events.Office administration and reporting.GPS/GIS mapping hardware and software use.Fire recovery coordination and support.Communications with Traditional Owners.Risk assessments and workplace OHS management.Selection criteriaThe key selection criteria specified below outline the capabilities required for the position.Specialist/Technical Expertise.Tertiary qualification(s) in community development, natural resource management or similar field, are desired, but not essential.At least three years relevant experience is desirable, but not essential.Landcare Experience and Natural Resource Management Knowledge.An understanding of Landcare, and practical experience working with Landcare and environmental volunteer groups.Knowledge of natural resource management and land management issues within the Leigh River Catchment.Stakeholder Management and Partnerships.Demonstrated experience and ability to work collaboratively with groups, government/agency staff, farmers, rural landowners, and community members to develop partnerships, plan projects, and deliver community engagement and capacity building events and activities.Communication.Interpersonal and oral communication skills.Facilitation and presentation skills, including the application of group facilitation principles, theory and practice, and experience facilitating collaborative discussions.Willingness to learn how to update webpages/websites and to effectively use Facebook and other forms of social media.Community Engagement and Capacity Building.Skills in the planning and delivery of community engagement and capacity building events and activities.Ability to source and disseminate land management information and advice to Landcare and Friends of groups, rural landowners and the wider community to build their knowledge about land management issues, and that foster the adoption of improved land management and sustainable agriculture practices.Planning.Skills and experience necessary to undertake visits to rural landowners'' properties to discuss land management issues provide advice, and assist in developing property management plans to help address these issues.Demonstrated skills and experience in the planning of and securing funding for projects.Computer & Mapping.Computer, office and administration skills, including the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and desktop publishing.Basic understanding of GPS/GIS mapping hardware/software, including developing maps at rural property scale.Organisational Skills.Organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills to efficiently plan, manage and organise workload to achieve set objectives within agreed timelines.A high level of self-motivation and a demonstrated ability to self-manage, work independently and unsupervised.Additional informationWorking hoursThe role will require the successful applicant to work out of normal business hours. This includes attending and running meetings in the evenings and during weekends.Workplace Health and SafetyThe successful candidate will be expected to comply with all relevant statutory requirements and conduct their service to high professional standards, including workplace health and safety.Private Vehicle Use and Travel ExpensesThe successful candidate will be required to use their own vehicle to attend meetings with groups, meet with landholders, attend events etc. The Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group will reimburse the Landcare Facilitator for work-related car travel expenses in accordance with the ATO''s work related car expenses per kilometer method.The annual budget from the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program funding for the position includes.$1000 to support the Landcare Facilitator''s attendance at appropriate professional development and training to enhance their ability to deliver the role.This is a free service available to Landcare staff working in Victoria and their employer organisations. It can provide support on workplace-related advice, dispute resolution and referral services for Landcare staff and their employer organisations.nrmjobs.com.au/job/20028155 #J-18808-Ljbffr