Description:
The Organisation
Apace acknowledges and respects the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and pays our respect to the Elders, past and present.
Apace WA is a community organisation focused on a greener planet and connected world. Our purpose is to advance environmental sustainability & amplify social cohesion. Our 2024-2030 Strategic Plan is exemplified by innovation, diversification and growth.
Incorporated in 1985, Apace began as a small group of local residents and researchers concerned about local engagement, the environment, and appropriate technology. Four decades later, we have become a renowned and respected non-government organisation.
We:
- specialise in native plant propagation & seed management of the Swan Coastal Plain & Darling Scarp.
- deliver environmental services to accelerate revegetation, restore biodiversity & preserve native plants.
- strengthen advocacy and action for the protection of planet, plants and people.
- generate environmental education and training programs and cultural exchange events.
- provide workplace opportunities for people with differing backgrounds, life experiences or abilities so people feel connected, respected and valued.
- promote social cohesion as the collective bond and unity between individuals and communities to catalyse trust and a sense of belonging.
- provide community gardening opportunities for local residents.
Position Overview
The Conservation and Revegetation Field Technician works under the Senior Technician and Conservation and Revegetation Manager, assisting with the implementation of revegetation and conservation tasks. This hands-on role involves site preparation, planting, weed control, and monitoring to support ecological restoration. The technician also helps maintain tools and equipment and nursery stock while ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently. Additionally, they support coordination and workflow when senior staff are off-site.
Key Responsibilities
- Revegetation and Weed Control
- Plant native seedlings in diverse habitats, localities, and weather conditions in the Perth region.
- Undertake both manual and chemical weed control in diverse surroundings.
- Carry out soft and hard landscaping duties as required.
- Undertake licensed seed collection in a variety of habitats, including seed processing as directed.
- Perform monitoring tasks using software such as ArcGIS or others when requested.
- Field Operations, Team and Resource support
- Work collaboratively with team members and/or independently to complete project tasks efficiently.
- Support Senior Conservation and Revegetation with task delegations, ensuring workflow continuity.
- Maintain tools, machinery used in revegetation tasks.
- Follow workplace health and safety procedures to ensure safe working environment.
- Adhere to environmental guidelines and organisational policies and procedures.
- Nursery Support and Stock Control
- Ensure adherence to nursery accreditation standards and report deficiencies to nursery manager.
- Monitor plant health, growth and layout.
- Propagate and grow local species.
- Identify and treat pest and diseases, including chemical and manual weed control.
- Sort, grade, and manage stock in the nursery and restock retail sales areas.
- Participate in the annual Plant Subsidy Scheme.
- Participation in Apace sustainability
- Follow and adhere to health, safety and wellbeing procedures.
- Demonstrate willing participation and interest in the organisation and its goals.
- Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions and evaluations.
- Apply Apace policies and values in action.
Essential Criteria
- Have obtained relevant Accredited Trade Certificate (i.e. Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Environmental Science or Horticulture) or equivalent industry experience.
- Practical experience in revegetation and land rehabilitation techniques.
- Ability to work in a team and take direction from senior staff and/or work individually.
- Basic understanding of machinery and tools used in revegetation services.
- Current ‘C’ Class Manual Driver’s Licence or willing to obtain
- Physically fit and capable of demanding outdoor work in different weather conditions.
Desirable Criteria
- General knowledge of WA’s native flora, including invasive species.
- Obtains valid First Aid Certificate.
- Possesses experience in chemical handling and/or certification.
- Possesses general knowledge of hygienic practices when working with Phytophthora Dieback or holds a valid ‘Green Card.’
- Certificate in Work Health and Safety.
- Experience in using machinery, such as chainsaws and brush cutters.
- Knowledge and experience of plant propagation techniques and practices.
- Knowledge and experience in seed collection and processing techniques.