Kaitlyn Furze

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Biodiversity Education

• Develop and implement projects, promotional programs, displays, activities and education materials to improve biodiversity education outcomes.

Natural Resource Management

• Provide technical support and advice on natural resource management issues, projects and policies, including priority pest and weed inspections and management.
• Provide input into policy and procedure reviews and undertake policy/procedure formulation as required.
• Engage, coordinate, and supervise contractors to ensure works are conducted in accordance with agreed service standards and legislation.
• Prepare funding applications for the implementation of projects relevant to the role.
• Plan, coordinate, monitor and report on natural resource projects and programs relevant to the role.

Branch Activities

• Other relevant duties which may be required by the Team Leader or Manager from time to time.
• Act in accordance with Council’s Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Plan at all times as Council will not tolerate fraudulent or corrupt practices by its own staff, contractors or others working for Council.

Customer Service.

• Demonstrate a strong customer focus which is accurate, responsive, timely and courteous.
• Respond directly to relevant customer requests in accordance with Council’s Customer Service Charter.

Corporate Core Values.

• Continuously display Council’s Corporate Core Values of Leadership, Innovation, Safety, Partnership, Commitment and Customer Focus.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications and / or demonstrated equivalent experience in Natural Resource Management / Environmental Science or similar
• Demonstrated working knowledge of natural resource management and biodiversity issues
• Demonstrated experience in developing, promoting, implementing evaluating and monitoring biodiversity and natural resources management projects,
• Demonstrated experience in developing, promoting, implementing evaluating and monitoring biodiversity education / engagement projects
• Ability to write analytical and logical reports drawing justified conclusions
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Highly developed time management skills and the ability to manage high workloads.

Natural Area Team Leader Roles

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership

• Display Councils Core value of Leadership, including all aspects of staff management, guidance and the
  demonstration of role model behaviours.

Natural Resource Management

• Complete maintenance activities and requested works relevant to Open Space network; primarily bush
  regeneration, riparian areas, aquatic vegetation, weed control, vegetated water sensitive urban design
  assets, litter removals, dumped rubbish or other work relevant to open space maintenance.
• Work with team members, volunteers and contractors to develop and implement natural areas projects
  and works programs.
• Supervise implementation of operational work plans for related Natural Areas assets including
  supervision of service providers to ensure works are undertaken in accordance with service standards
  and specifications.
• Provide technical advice on maintenance requirements for Natural Areas assets, including assisting and
  training other staff in the maintenance requirements for Natural Areas assets.
• Monitor work output and adjust works program to provide and effective and efficient work group.
• Collate and provide updates, technical advice and reports on maintenance programs within Natural
  Areas works program.
• Contribute to the delivery of Bushcare Programs by coordinating and supervising on-ground works of
  Bushcare groups and other community activities (when required).
• Assist and train other staff and volunteers in the use of plant and equipment, leading by example through
  being a role model.
• Handle records with care, protect sensitive records from unauthorised access and ensure records are
  not destroyed without authority.
• Provide advice and respond to enquiries from community, community groups, developers and other
  stakeholders.
• Participate and provide feedback, in Practical Completion (PC) and End of Defect Liability Period (DLP)
  inspections of related Natural Areas assets.
• Competently use mobile devices and Council applications including future technology enhancements.
• Assess suitability and safely and proficiently; drive vehicles and use small plant, and equipment used in
  Natural Areas maintenance including undertaking daily inspection and minor maintenance of plant and
  equipment.

Completed Roles

Optional

• Led team in achieving operational goals through effective workflow management and process improvements.
• Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Implemented training programs to enhance team performance and ensure adherence to safety standards.
• Streamlined daily operations, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced turnaround times on projects.
• Supervised project execution, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and quality standards.
• Analyzed team performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic initiatives.
• Facilitated communication between departments, enhancing collaboration and problem-solving capabilities within the team.
• Developed action plans based on project outcomes, aligning resources with business priorities to optimize results.
• Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
• Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
• Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
• Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
• Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
• Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
• Provided ongoing support to direct reports, addressing concerns or questions promptly so they could remain focused on their tasks.
• Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
• Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
• Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
• Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
• Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
• Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
• Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
• Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
• Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
• Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
• Achieved project milestones ahead of deadlines, coordinating effectively with stakeholders and managing resources efficiently.
• Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
• Implemented comprehensive reporting system to track team performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinated volunteer efforts to enhance community outreach and engagement initiatives.
• Developed training materials and conducted workshops to improve volunteer skills and effectiveness.
• Oversaw scheduling and logistics for events, ensuring smooth operations and participant satisfaction.
• Cultivated relationships with local organizations to expand partnership opportunities and resource sharing.
• Mentored new volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment and enhancing team cohesion.
• Facilitated Bushcare Volunteer Program promotional marketing

• Undertake bush regeneration and ecology project works across Greater Western Sydney.
• Daily tasks undertaken include strategic planning for the removal and disposal of exotic plant species using bush regeneration techniques, revegetation and erosion control activities, accurate identification of plants, use of handheld and motorised equipment and application of herbicides.
• Communication with teams regarding site location, equipment required, daily tasks and allocation. Collaboration with team leaders, project managers, clients and contractors from independent companies that work with Eco Logical Australia.
• Completion of site assessments, monitoring and reporting regarding daily/weekly project works, schedules and timesheets.
• Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and work health and safety policies. This includes monitoring team performance and providing constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
• Setting short term objectives for teams in accordance with long term goals by conversing with senior team leaders, project managers, clients and contractors to ensure that everyone is progressing toward the same final outcome.
• Achieving overall staff efficiency by motivating the team, providing clear instruction and maintaining engagement through task rotation, plant identification and team discussions.
• In addition to these tasks' assistance is provided to the Ecology Team in completing projects such as dam dewatering, water quality sampling and monitoring, fauna surveys, local provenance seed collection and planting and biodiversity assessment method surveys.