Biosecurity Officer

Marlborough District Council is looking for an enthusiastic Biosecurity Officer who wants to make their mark in helping protect the Marlborough region from the threats and impacts of invasive species.
You will be getting out and about in the field on a daily basis implementing various Regional Pest Management Plan programmes and other initiatives guided by Council’s Biosecurity Strategy. Many of these, but not all, relate to pest plants. All of these programmes or initiatives require collaborative planning within the team, good communication skills (especially when liaising with landholders), and effective management of your time.
We're looking for a person keen on the outdoors, a good practical set of skills and can also wrap their head around biosecurity policy and principles. This will be ideally complimented with relevant experience in the environmental/biosecurity industry or tertiary training. The role requires someone that is physically fit and isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Our preferred candidate is someone that can both be searching for pest plants in remote parts of the Marlborough’s beautiful environment one day, and then diligently giving advice to an urban dweller the next.
To be considered for this role you will be expected to have experience in, or clearly demonstrate a capacity to learn, the following key skills:
Identification and management techniques for invasive species including the handling and use of agrichemicals and/or hazardous substances.
Compliance and enforcement including having those difficult conversations.
Strong computer skills and accurate management of both activity and spatial information.
Experience in the handling and use of motorcycles and 4WD vehicles.
Dealing with, landowners, contractors, and people in general are a large part of the role. You will need to be organised with a desire for doing the job right the first time.
Applications close at 5:00 pm on 12 May 2021.