Senior Rural Engagement Officer

Join the Community Health and Wellbeingteam Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest growing and culturally diverse councils. We put the customer and our community at the centre of all that we do, ensuring our services are efficient and accessible. Lead and support the Rural Environment team to deliver the Rural Engagement Program including the Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) grant, Primary Producer Rate Rebate, and other programs specific to private rural land management. What you’ll be doing: Lead the implementation of the Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) grant, Primary Producer Rate Rebate (PPRR), and other programs specific to private rural land management. Effectively promote to increase awareness and participation amongst the rural community. Liaise and collaborate with other municipalities, state and federal government departments, agencies, networks and internal stakeholders on land and biodiversity issues to support the delivery of best practice sustainability engagement. Support and encourage the Rural Environment team to liaise and develop cooperative working relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate effective delivery of programs, projects, and activities. Undertake engagement with the rural community around climate change and its future implications on agribusiness, biodiversity, and the rural way of life. Lead and support the Rural Environment team for effective outcomes in rural land management. Ensure compliance to all aspects of Council’s WH&S and relevant legislative requirements to ensure the safety of self, contractors, other staff, and the public. The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role: Experience in implementing land management programs, grants, and other initiatives. Experience in developing and implementing community engagement programs. Demonstrated ability to lead, support and guide staff to achieve team objectives. The ability to build relationships, establish effective communication networks and relationships with contractors, Council officers, and the general community (particularly rural landholders and people from various cultural backgrounds). Ability to communicate sensitively and sympathetically with all stakeholders including rural landholders, members of the public and internal customers and to use initiative in relation to meetings and opportunities, etc. Ability to write reports, articles and prepare external correspondence. Required Certifications & Qualifications Tertiary qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management, agriculture, conservation and land management, environmental management, or related discipline, with demonstrated relevant experience. A current Driver's Licence is essential (4WD experience is desirable). Why Hume City Council? A leader in local government, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is guided by our values: We’re better, every day : We give things a go and value progress over perfection. We have permission to go for it and are expected to reflect and learn. We’re in it together : At Hume, everyone matters. We Welcome and include all. Respect and safety are expected. We show up : We empower and trust others and own our work. We rise to the challenges and are expected to do what we say we will. All for Hume : We strive to achieve our best for the Hume Community. We are proud and passionate about working towards better outcomes and expect they are at the centre of everything we do. We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. A child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Council encourages people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply. All candidates will be required to undertake background and probity checks including Reference Checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check. #J-18808-Ljbffr