Position Description

Title: Environmental Projects Facilitator

Organisation: Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN)

Location: Bellarine Peninsula, Mannerim, Victoria

Salaries / Award: As per Victorian Workplace Agreement Part time .6 FTE (3 days per week, 22.8 hrs). $50,000 - $60,000 Band 5 (Pro rata) depending on skills and experience

Term / Tenure: 12 months - 1 calendar year from commencement date

Background:

The Bellarine Catchment Network is a network of the following organisations:

• Barwon Estuary Project • Friends of Edwards Point

• Barwon Coast Committee of • Friends of Hooded Plover Bellarine Management • Friends of Barwon • Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management • Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve • Bellarine Landcare Group • Friends of Point Richards • Borough of Queenscliffe • Friends of Yellow Gums • City of Greater Geelong • Geelong Sustainability Group • Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare Group • Geelong Field Naturalists Group

• Coastcare Victoria (DELWP) • Greening Australia Victoria

• Corangamite Catchment Management • Ocean Grove Coastcare Group Authority • Orange Bellied Parrot Working Group • Drysdale / Clifton Springs Community Bellarine Association • Parks Victoria • Friends of Begola Wetland • Springdale Neighbourhood House • Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail

• Friends of Buckley Park • Swan Bay Environment Association

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Both Swan Bay and the Lake Connewarre Wetlands form part of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site. Both have national and international significance, are listed on 3 international migratory bird agreements and the Register of the National Estate. Swan Bay is part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park.

The Bellarine Peninsula is 34,000 ha in area with 137 km of bay, estuary and ocean frontage. Only about 5% of it retains its original vegetation cover. It is largely rural, (sheep, cattle and cropping) with 7 growing urban centres and development across all town areas.

The BCN Vision is ‘The Bellarine Catchment Network region will work towards healthy, well connected and resilient wetlands, waterways and native vegetation ecosystems; sustainable agricultural and land management practices; and a community which is engaged and involved in protecting and managing the natural environment.

The Bellarine Catchment Network is guided by its Action Plan. Priority actions from the BCN Action Plan are; (please note the current plan is under review to be released in 2020)

I. Protect and enhance Ramsar wetlands and connecting wetlands II. Promote and apply Ramsar values and guidelines III. Protect, enhance and link remnant vegetation IV. Protect indigenous fauna and enhance existing habitats V. Facilitate community awareness and participation VI. Advocate for adaptive management to climate change VII. Rehabilitate and protect watercourses and improve water quality (in-stream & stormwater) VIII. Increase the adoption of sustainable agricultural and land management practices IX. Promote pest plant and pest animal control X. Be an active, engaged and well-supported network

This position has the primary function of delivering the Project and Grant Coranagamite CMA / Parks Victoria Ramsar Wetlands and Port Phillip Bay Fund Caring For Our Bays Programs. Position responsibilities fall under these and other funded programs.

Whilst a 12 month Contract, the intention is that this role / position will continue and every effort will be made to achieve this, however this cannot be guaranteed.

SECTION 1. POSITION IDENTIFICATION

Organisation: Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN)

Position Title: Environmental Projects Facilitator

Salaries - Award: As per Victorian Workplace Agreement

SECTION 2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Environmental Projects Facilitator key responsibility will be to develop and maintain the BCN Ramsar Wetland and Caring For Our Bays (CFOB) Program under direction of the Coastal Program Leader.

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SECTION 3. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

3.1. Community awareness, involvement and capacity building

3.1.1 Raise community awareness about priority Coastal, Litter prevention and natural resource management (NRM) issues on the Bellarine Peninsula. Provide a role in communications and marketing opportunities for Ramsar Program, CFOB and BCN. Facilitate opportunities for skills sharing / training and schools and community participation in NRM on-ground works that focus on: • protection of Bays, Ramsar Wetlands and connecting wetlands • coastal remnant vegetation protection, management and linking • indigenous fauna protection, habitat protection & enhancement • climate change impacts 3.1.2 Assist in the development and delivery of community NRM involvement programs for the Bellarine Peninsula. 3.1.3 Link, involve and motivate individuals, community and volunteer groups, and schools to undertake natural resource management and related activities in a coordinated manner across the Bellarine Peninsula. 3.1.4 Facilitate and maintain community participation in water quality monitoring at key sites on the Bellarine Peninsula, in conjunction with the Corangamite Waterwatch program. 3.1.5 Promote integrated Litter Prevention strategies, catchment management processes, sustainable land use and Coastcare practices. 3.1.6 Develop and support BCN Schools Environment Program in consultation with key staff and stakeholders and programs, including CFOB and Coastcare. 3.2 Facilitate partnerships and information exchange. 3.2.1 Represent the BCN at meetings of committees, advisory groups and working groups involved in catchment and waterways management, in particular: • Ramsar Wetland Program • Caring for our Bays Program • Summer By the Sea Program

• Coastcare Program

3.2.2 Build and maintain effective partnerships between the BCN and all levels of Government, industry and other NRM stakeholders. 3.2.3 Support Stakeholder and community involvement in the CFOB program. Including meeting timetable, organising and agenda setting. Facilitate MOU’s that relate to the service delivery of the CFOB initiatives. 3.2.4 Develop working groups within the CFOB program to work on specific priority litter hotspots and issues. 3.2.5 Build and maintain effective partnerships and information exchange within the BCN. 3.2.6 Coordinate Partnership development with existing and potential stakeholders and stakeholder groups. 3.2.7 Liaise with state, regional and local government bodies and community in the collection and dissemination of information for rural, urban and coastal catchment management. 3.3. Management Planning

3.3.1 Support the Implementation and review strategic plans that relate to the CFOB program including Litter Hot Spot data recording and analysis 3.3.2 Work closely (consultation, support and advice) with the BCN Coastal Program Leader Program Manager, committee members and the community, in planning and

3 implementing project activities and events. 3.3.3 Prepare reports relevant on Bellarine environmental matters and present them on behalf of the BCN management and Committee.

3.4. Evaluation, monitoring and reporting

3.4.1 Identify, measure and record key parameters to gauge the effectiveness of all aspects of the BCN Programs, including NRM outcomes, Group Health, Activity effectiveness, community involvement, risk management and OH&S. 3.4.2 Implement the CFOB Monitoring and Evaluation plan Facilitate training of Litter Surveys in association with Victorian Litter Action Alliance (VLAA), Litter Stopper App and stakeholders Promote and monitor community and stakeholder Litter Surveys Assist and collate information with Waterwatch monitoring of keys priority sites 3.4.3 Assist in the production and submission of Final Reports and Financial Acquittals for relevant funded Projects and ensure related tasks such as monitoring and evaluation are carried out. 3.4.4 Provide assistance and technical advice to improve project implementation, reporting and monitoring. 3.4.5 Provide bi-monthly reports for inclusion in the BCM Committee meeting minutes. 3.4.6 Develop an annual workplan.

3.5. BCN Committee Support

3.5.1 Provide advice, coordination, technical and administrative support as required to the BCN Committee, sub-committees and employees. 3.5.2 Provide support to BCN Committee in relation to relevant program and initiatives.

3.5.3 Provide timely advice and strategic support to the BCN Committee for the implementation of the BCN Action Plan and Annual Report. 3.6. On Ground Works

3.6.1 The position will support On ground works projects with coastal sites. The position will assist BCN, Biodiversity Coordinator, Community Engagement Coordinator, Coastal Program Leader in these areas 3.6.2 The position will have an understanding of weed control, rehabilitation, revegetation, rabbit control, fox control and other on ground works 3.7. Other

3.7.1 Maintain a high level of professional/ technical expertise. 3.7.2 Undertake other duties as required. SECTION 4. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The BCN Environmental Projects Facilitator Reports to: The position will report directly to the Coastal Program Leader Supports: BCN Sub-committees as required Facilitates: Ramsar Program, Caring For Our Bays, Summer By The Sea, Coastcare Program

Internal Liaisons: BCN Committee and Sub-Committee’s, individual Group / Agency Representatives, BCN Program Manager, Landcare Facilitator, Biodiversity Coordinator, Communications Coordinator 4

External Liaisons: Parks Victoria Corangamite CMA Victorian Litter Action Alliance Sustainability Victoria DELWP Port Phillip Bay Fund Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group Port Phillip Ecocentre Regional Authorities Other Coastcare, Landcare, Friends of, Environment Groups Other NRM Organisations Government Departments Non-Government Organisations Professional Organisations Private Corporations NRM Community Groups Members of the Public Property owners and landholders Schools Contractors and Consultants

SECTION 5. ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

5.1 The position has the authority to sign funding applications and reports and outgoing correspondence on behalf of the BCN, after liaising with the Coastal Program Leader of the Bellarine Catchment Network. 5.2 Represent the BCN in negotiations and communication with external organisations as appropriate and in accordance with BCN objectives and Committee directions. 5.3 The Facilitator will refer to the Program Manager or President for a decision on any matter that could have a significant effect on the BCN. 5.4 Carry out duties in a responsible and professional manner with strong consideration for sensible OH &S and work place relations. 5.5 The position is responsible for appropriate time management in order to achieve maximum outputs. 5.6 The Facilitator will carry out other related duties as appropriate and directed by the Coastal Program Leader and Program Manager.

SECTION 6. JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING

6.1 The position shall exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills. 6.2 A degree of decision-making autonomy is expected as delegated by the Coastal Program Leader and BCN Committee.

SECTION 7. SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

7.1 Proven knowledge and understanding of the issues related Ramsar Wetlands, Litter management, Coastcare and coastal processes. 7.2 Proven ability to quickly assimilate new concepts and information and deliver positive, innovative solutions to complex issues. 7.3 Proven ability to plan, coordinate, monitor and evaluate projects and programs which integrate across a range of natural resource management issues. 7.4 Proven experience in developing monitoring and evaluation programs. 7.5 An understanding of the role of Catchment Management Authorities, Parks Victoria, Resource and Recovery Groups, State and Local Government and NRM Committees of Management. 5 7.6 Facilitation Skills • Well-developed time management and priority setting skills. • Proven leadership skills. • Proven ability to work with and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams. • Capacity to work autonomously, with limited supervision. • Able to set priorities and plan and organise within the role of the position. • Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. • High level of competence in producing written communication. • High level of competence in problem solving and seeking solutions. • An understanding of current standards of governance

7.7 Interpersonal Skills • Proven ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a multidisciplinary team environment. • Proven ability to deliver sound advice to a range of clients including, community groups, Government agencies/ Coastcare employees and colleagues. • Well-developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, particularly an ability to cooperatively and collaboratively solve problems, and negotiate innovative solutions to difficult tasks. • Proven ability to develop and maintain effective alliances and partnerships. • Proven ability to deal with a range of clients including community groups, technical experts and senior management and confidence in promoting and interpreting policy and legislative issues to these groups. • Present a professional image of the BCN when dealing with the community and stakeholders.

SECTION 8. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential (Applicant Required to address)

1. Tertiary qualification or relevant experience in science, waste and litter management, natural resource management or approved equivalent qualification. 2. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and a proven ability to liaise and engage with community groups, schools, businesses, government agencies, and community members. 3. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding Ramsar Wetlands, Coastcare, issues relating to coastal management. 4. Highly motivated person with well-developed organisational, prioritisation, time management and leadership skills. 5. Proven ability to collect, analyse and evaluate information to produce professional, concise reports

Desirable (Applicant Not Required to address)

1. Good knowledge of marine / catchment processes, sustainable land management, Landcare and Coastcare. 2. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of waste / litter management, the issues related to litter and best practice litter management principles. 3. Previous participation in and organisation of community environmental programs. 4. Experience in securing new or additional program investment, either in-kind or financial. 5. Experience in preparing minutes, agendas and reports for committees. 6. Knowledge of water quality and waterway protection issues and practices. 7. Knowledge of vegetation identification, Ecological Vegetation Classes, establishment, rehabilitation and management techniques.

6 8. Understanding of GIS /GPS. 9. ACUP or other Certificates

SECTION 9. WORKING CONDITIONS

• The Position will be located at the Bellarine Environment Centre, 865 Swan Bay Rd Mannerim. • Time off in lieu arrangements are as per the Bellarine Catchment Network policy and as negotiated with BCN. No overtime payments can be made, nor can Time Off in Lieu be paid out. • The applicant must be the holder of a current Victorian driver’s licence, First Aid Certificate and Working with Children Certificate • The BCN has two leased vehicles for use of staff and this position. However, use of private vehicle will be required. The vehicle reimbursement rate of travel will be as set by the ATO will be paid for approved travel. • Approved out of pocket expenses relating to the position will be reimbursed upon presentation of tax invoices. • Annual leave will be 20 days per year pro rata for part time employees. (with 17.5% leave loading), It will be accumulated on a pro-rata basis and must be taken within the contract period. • 10 days personal (sick /carer’s) leave per year, pro rata for part time staff. A medical certificate is required for personal leave of periods longer than two consecutive days. Personal leave will accumulate but it cannot be cashed out. • Superannuation 10.5% of salary. This is above the mandatory legal requirement • Length of contract will be 12 months with potential for extension • Probation period of 3 months will apply • Performance reviews will be conducted ever months. • Public holidays will be taken as gazetted by the State Government. • The incumbent must be prepared to attend evening meetings and weekend activities as required, with time off in lieu accrued. • This position has potential for increased hours, subject to funding and employee negotiations

Further Details and Applications sent to:

Angie Poole Coastal Program Leader Bellarine Catchment Network Mob: 0478 777 306 Email: [email protected]

Application Due Date

Close of Business. 5pm 21st October 2019

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