Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
We work with private landowners to protect our state's natural capital
- Regional Conservation Officer
- Two roles 1 x Ongoing full-time and 1 x temporary (until 30/6/2026)
- Coffs Harbour or other BCT office location in the region by negotiation and availability
- Access to a range of flexible work arrangements including work from home in accordance with government requirements
- Salary ranges from $109,102 - $120,542 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 a number of new exciting opportunities across the state to fill ongoing Regional Conservation Officer positions. This ad seeks to attract candidates in the North Coast region only.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity to work as part of a regional team to work across the North Coast region and deliver on-ground private land conservation focussed programs. This includes:
- 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.
Essential requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualification and/or experience in natural resource management or biodiversity conservation or ecology
- 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
- A current Australian Class C driver’s licence and willingness to travel
For more information on the role, read the Regional Conservation Officer role description.
This is a physically active role suited to candidates of all genders who are fit, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and are eager to work with private landholders to protect our state's natural capital.
Who we are
The Biodiversity Conservation Trust is a small, focussed agency with a clear statutory mission and functions. We manage over 2,500 existing long-term agreements with landholders by actively supporting them to protect biodiversity on their land, and we have funded strategies to grow private land conservation. We have an important statutory role as part of delivering conservation outcomes under the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
We are a group of friendly and motivated staff delivering high-integrity biodiversity outcomes in NSW, under the direction of a strong statutory Board. A majority of staff are regionally based, and we value respectful, collaborative culture internally and with our stakeholders.
In our inclusive and accessible organisation and workplaces across the state, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. We support various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.
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 you meet the criteria and are excited by this opportunity please click ‘Apply online’ at the bottom of this job ad. Please include a copy of your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest, suitability for the role against the essential requirements, and location preference.
Applications close 11:55pm 10th September 2025
Should you require additional information about the role please contact Andy Westcott, Regional Manager North Coast on Andrew.westcott@bct.nsw.gov.au or 02 5534 3002.
A recruitment pool will 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.
Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are looking for more information or assistance in applying?
We encourage you to reach out to us so we can connect you to our Aboriginal People and Culture team who can assist to:
- offer information about the role & help you apply
- make adjustments to the recruitment process
- offer information about the role and support networks
Alternatively read this application guide which has been developed so support Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in NSW understand employment benefits and how to apply for a role.
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