• APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615
• Parks Australia
• Christmas Island

• Participate in the implementation of invasive species management with focus on Cat Eradication
• Work in a motivated and professional team with a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds
• Opportunity to live and work in a remote and culturally diverse community on Christmas Island

Who we are
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 60 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and Mc Donald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks protect the diversity of life in our oceans–from astonishing coral reefs in our tropical seas to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains in temperate marine regions. This branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance.

Christmas Island National Park protects 63% of Christmas Island for conservation and visitor enjoyment. This includes programs that manage, and monitor threatened and endangered species populations, visitor management activities and the rainforest rehabilitation program.

The Job
Under the general direction of the Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist at Christmas Island National Park will develop, implement, report and adapt field operational plans for the eradication of feral and stray cats on Christmas Island and the recovery of key threatened species. A critical part of this position will be to work closely with the Operations Coordinator and Monitoring and Data Coordinator to lead a team of field staff.
In this role you will be responsible for:

• In accordance with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Christmas Island National Park Management Plan, Christmas Island Cat Eradication Plan, EPBC recovery plans and other relevant plans:
  • Lead field implementation of the cat eradication plan requiring use of nocturnal firearms operations, and deployment of Felixer© grooming traps.
  • Fulfil the roles of designated Firearm Officer and Armourer for Christmas Island National Park consistent with policy directives.
  • Working closely with the operations coordinator and monitoring and data coordinator develop rosters and work programs for the cat eradication team.
  • Lead and mentor field staff in humane and effective cat removal methods.
  • Work closely with the operations coordinator and monitoring and data coordinator to plan and undertake nocturnal firearms operations.
  • Adapt the field operations of the cat eradication team according to new information.
  • Undertaking procurements associated with the Cat Eradication Project.
• Prepare operational plans, briefs and technical documents for the eradication of cats on Christmas Island, including preparing and/or contributing to peer reviewed scientific papers.
• Effectively and positively contribute as a member of a team.
• Jointly leading, training and supervising a team of field staff.
• Liaise with a wide range of stakeholders including researchers, government agencies, community and pet cat owners.
• Safely handle and use poisons (including 1080) and firearms.
• Undertake other duties as directed in accordance with Christmas Island National Park work programs.

Please note, the successful applicant must:

• hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification
• hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle
• hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
• note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation
• note that the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position(s)
• note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work,
• note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
• note that you must be able to obtain and hold an Employee Firearms Licence
• note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses
• note that you will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams
• the ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check
• wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy
• wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated high level skills in safe, effective and humane destruction of cats in nocturnal firearms operations; and demonstrated experience in the deployment, operation and maintenance of Felixer© grooming traps.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of invasive species management programs including the application of sound science-based methods.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and project management, the development of work programs, experience in staff supervision and in being an effective member of a team to deliver key outcomes and meet deadlines.
• Well-developed oral communication and liaison skills and the ability to analyse data and write comprehensive plans, reports and briefs.
• Demonstrated experience with a range of natural resource management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to live and work in a small, isolated community.

Skills and capabilities

• Knowledge and skills in using various monitoring and trapping techniques.
• Possess a firearms qualification or the ability to obtain one.
• A high level of fitness to conduct field work in a rugged terrain and perform tasks in hot, humid and often wet conditions.
• A principled approach, acting professionally and ethically, adhering to APS Values and the Code of Conduct

Desirable qualifications

• Handling and use of 1080 and firearms
• Tertiary education in natural resource management

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position does not require a security clearance.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.
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