Overview

The Wetlands and Coastal Programs Coordinator is responsible for leading, managing and coordinating Positive Change for Marine Life’s estuary programs within northern New South Wales (with a particular emphasis on our River Warriors initiative on the Brunswick River).

The successful applicant will be responsible for undertaking ongoing field-based research; leading our blue forest restoration programs; recruiting and managing paid staff and volunteers; developing relationships with, and engaging the community in our work; leading local events, as well as conducting media interviews and public outreach. They will be PCFML’s main point of contact in the region.

Responsibilities:

  • Providing input on, and implementing our long-term program strategy for the region – including working closely with a range of partners, sponsors and supporters to achieve mutually beneficial environmental, social and economic outcomes as a result of our programs.
  • Leading our research and blue forest restoration initiatives, as well as smaller projects in the region (when time and resources permit):
    – This includes exploring opportunities for program growth across a second catchment area in 2023.
  • Supporting our fundraising, development and engagement teams to bring in the resources necessary to sustain and grow the program.
  • Recruiting and managing staff and volunteers.
  • Relating to and positively engaging a broad range of stakeholders.
  • Being available for comment on the organisation’s aims, objectives and progress through print media, television and radio.
  • Leading PCFML events, presentations and other engagement activities across the region.
  • Providing feedback to the CEO on a monthly basis.

The respective candidate will ideally possess the following traits:

  • Be self-motivated and self-reliant with a strong work ethic.
  • Network, build relationships and represent PCFML in a professional manner.
  • Have a strong passion for conservation and community-based work.
  • Possess an ability to articulate marine conservation issues through:
    – Relating issues and solutions to a diverse group of stakeholders (landowners, fishers, recreational users, government, businesses and the general community);
    – Disseminating program research and restoration efforts through the media to attract greater program support.
  • Be a team player who understands group dynamics and can attract volunteers and supporters to the northern NSW PCFML team.
  • Bring flair and innovation to the program – expanding our supporter base within the region.

Key Selection Criteria:

  • A comprehensive understanding of mangroves, saltmarsh and/or seagrass ecosystems, as well as a proven track record in leading/implementing blue forest restoration programs.
  • An understanding of blue carbon credits and methodologies.
  • Experience managing teams and achieving outcomes, while prioritising tasks and working to multiple deadlines.
  • A proven track-record of working with volunteers and members of the public in a safe and measured way in potentially hazardous environments where conditions can quickly change.
  • Demonstrable experience utilising ArcGIS software to capture field data and clearly report findings.
  • A demonstrated ability to articulate objectives, goals and successes through a variety of channels (reports, social media, presentations, media interviews, written articles and radio/television interviews) to diverse audiences.

Minimum requirements:

  • A degree in marine/environmental science or an associated field.
  • At least 5-years of experience in a similar research management or coordination role.
  • A good level of fitness to undertake the practical components of this role.
  • A current Open Australian Driver’s License with a clean driving history.
  • Experience driving a 4wd and trailer.
  • Experience kayaking – preferably with a flat water or ocean kayak certification or associated qualification (if you don’t have this certification, we will cover).
  • A current Bronze Medallion or First-Aid Certificate (if you don’t have this certification, we will cover).

Preferred:

  • A post-graduate degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience with a range of project management tools and apps including Microsoft Office Suite, Asana, Slack, Trello and social media.
  • Experience with ArcGIS.

Remuneration Details:
This role is full-time (37.5 hours per week) with an initial probation period of 6-months. We offer a competitive remuneration package of AU$75,000 – $85,000 p/a, as well as the additional superannuation guarantee. A vehicle and program-related travel expenses will also be covered.

Location:
The role location is flexible within the northern NSW/SE Qld region, however we will preference applicants who live within/can relocate (within 45 mins) of the Byron Shire.

Application Details:
To apply please send a cover letter (responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria) and CV to info@pcfml.org.au stating clearly ‘Wetlands and Coastal Programs Coordinator Application’ in the title of your e-mail. We also look favourably upon video applications (<90 seconds in length) in addition to the cover letter and CV. Videos should outline why you would like to work with PCFML in this role and what you have to offer if successful in your
application.

Applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the right candidate is found.

About Positive Change for Marine Life

Positive Change for Marine Life dismantles the old narrative that the ocean exists for us to exploit. Through our core values of understanding, education and respect, we empower communities to take action for our ocean, developing long-term initiatives which benefit the sea, as well as those who rely upon it for survival.

We work with a broad spectrum of people from diverse backgrounds including businesses, fishers, community organisations, students, faith groups, activists, political institutions and individuals - to realise the value of a healthy ocean and the long-term environmental, social, cultural and economic benefit that it provides.

We have two key focus areas:

1) Developing solutions to marine debris and pollution, which is having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems, as well as on human health. This includes exploring the potential that proper waste management, decentralised food production, up-cycling and ecotourism can have on transitioning coastal communities away from exploitative industries, whilst improving health, creating employment opportunities for marginalised groups and protecting the ocean in perpetuity.

2) Leading community-driven blue forest restoration projects in estuaries and coastal areas, with a focus on mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrass. This includes developing innovative, multi-stakeholder research and mapping programs to identify priority sites, leading restoration projects to restore and improve habitat, while increasing climate resilience, as well as running community engagement programs to ensure the long-term conservation of intact blue forests.

We are proud to be independent, non-partisan, and non-denominational.