Conservation Ecology Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state's environment and heritage.

• Regional Conservation Officer (Environment Officer Class 7)
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location: Orange - Hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $112,375 to $124,158 plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), has an exciting opportunity to work as part of a regional team to work across the Central West/Western region and deliver on-ground private land conservation focussed programs.

About the role

As a Regional Conservation Officer, you will:

• engage with private landholders that have entered into, or are seeking to enter into, conservation agreements on private land
• act as the primary contact for assigned landholders and provide landholder support including site visits, technical advice about biodiversity management and BCT programs, agreement monitoring and auditing, and facilitating access to funding
• annually review a range of conservation agreements (including Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements (BSA), Offset Conservation Agreements and other Conservation Agreements that receive annual payments) and support landholders to deliver their agreement obligations
• conduct field and desktop assessments of land and biodiversity assets; use spatial tools and software to enter spatial information and produce maps for inclusion in agreements; contribute technical and/or ecological knowledge to assist landholders develop and/or deliver management plans for conservation agreements
• conduct ecological monitoring (primarily vegetation assessment)
• collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver BCT programs, delivery mechanisms, projects and partnerships
• Support a range of other work including: BCT program delivery, managing projects and partnerships as well as stakeholder engagement, education, communication, conservation assessment and agreement management.

About You

• You have a passion for the environment, natural resource management and strong customer service skills as this role requires you to serve your local community by communicating BCT program information to private landholders and delivering it on the ground.
• We need a capable all-rounder - someone that is a capable problem solver, a good communicator and enjoys working as part of a team. Fitness and enthusiasm will enable the right candidate to thrive and succeed in this diverse and dynamic role. Note that this role involves field work including conducting field-based ecological assessments and may include working in remote areas.

Key knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated ability to use Geographical Information Systems software to develop, manage, query and display spatial data relevant to property level management plans
• Experience identifying vegetation communities within the region and flora identification skills.

 Essential requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or experience in natural resource management or biodiversity conservation
• A current Australian Class C driver's licence and willingness to travel.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Regional Conservation Officer BCT EO7 RD

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state's environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

The New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is a not-for-profit statutory body, established under Part 10 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and managed by a Board appointed by the Minister for the Environment.

The Trust's roles are to support and encourage landholders to enter into agreements to conserve and protect biodiversity on private land, guided by the government's Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy; secure biodiversity offsets when developers choose to pay into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund; and other activities that promote greater awareness of, appreciation and understanding of, biodiversity and the importance of conserving it.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS) and the BCT's private land conservation (PLC) programs

The successful applicant for this role will be required to declare any conflict of interests related to the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, as defined in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Conflict of Interests Protocol. This ensures the department is made aware of potential conflicts of interest so they can be appropriately managed.

Where an applicant has a high-risk "defined interest" in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, they may be required to divest this interest before being employed by the department.

If you think you might have a conflict of interest related to the scheme, or you are unsure, please discuss this with the hiring manager.

The Department is committed to protecting the public interest and public trust in the exercise of its functions. These values, together with transparency and accountability, are integral to the administration of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme. For more information, please contact the hiring manager.

The BCT also has restrictions on staff participation in its funded PLC programs. No additional funding, beyond that already agreed to by the BCT, may be sought or approved during time as a BCT employee or for a 12-month period following termination of employment.

If you (or a close family member) participate in the BOS scheme or already hold a funded agreement with the BCT and require further information before submitting your application, please contact the hiring manager.

What we can offer you

The BCT is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge. Here are some of our benefits:

• A great, friendly culture that cares about each other and the environment we work to protect
• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• A range of learning and development opportunities
• Hybrid, flexible work arrangements

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close: Monday, 31 August 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Marta Tomaszewski, Acting Regional Manager via marta.tomaszewski@bct.nsw.gov.au or on 0428156831.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Vithiya Yogarajah on 02 9995 5011 (please mention reference number 552463).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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