Role Description
(Non Manager)
Role Title: Project Officer, Operations
Group: Partnerships & Stewardships
Classification Level: PO1
Branch/Region/Unit: River Murray Operations & Major
Projects Branch
CHRIS Position Number
Reports to (Title): Senior Project Officer, Operations
Our Organisation
The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) is committed to providing a highly supportive work
environment that values the participation and contribution of every employee in shaping the future of the department. DEWNR
is a high performing organisation that encourages excellence, improvement and growth at both an organisational and individual
level. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values. Consequently we value and respect our people, we encourage active
participation and leadership; we continuously seek to be better, and we achieve results.
Purpose
The Partnerships and Stewardship Group works with Regional Natural Resource Management Boards to provide integrated
environmental and natural resources services, including management of public land, parks, reserves and crown lands. The Group
brings together much of our delivery effort, including our Regional Staff, the design and delivery of complex and major projects,
and management of River Murray operations. The Group also provides timely and high quality advice on policy and
implementation of key initiatives to the Minister, Chief Executive and Government Agencies and ensures strong communication
and engagement with stakeholders.
About the Branch/Business Unit
The River Murray Operations and Major Projects Branch is responsible for the design and delivery of complex major projects related
to natural resource management, including the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Recovery Project, the Riverine
Recovery Project (RRP), the South Australian Riverland Floodplain Integrated Infrastructure Program (SARFIIP) and The Living
Murray (TLM) Icon Site Management Program.
The Branch is responsible for leading and coordinating local, regional, state and inter-state actions in operating the River Murray
in South Australia to achieve multiple sustainable outcomes including water security for critical human water needs, irrigated
agriculture and environmental water benefits. In addition, the Branch operates and maintains South Australia’s River Murray
infrastructure and implements River Murray water sharing, accounting and reporting. The Branch is also responsible for the
operation and maintenance of the Patawalonga Lake System.
About the Role
The Project Officer, Operations is responsible for supporting the delivery of assigned vegetation restoration field operations and
projects that contribute to the achievement of environmental vegetation restoration and conservation priorities for the Coorong
Lower Lakes Murray Mouth region. In this capacity, the position delivers on ground field, research and information management
activities, monitors project resources, service providers and volunteers, prepares contracts and reports, and conducts effective
liaison with a broad range of stakeholders, to influence and support the successful delivery of projects.
Key Role Outcomes

On ground field activities are delivered for assigned CLLMM vegetation restoration projects and field operations, including
undertaking onsite inspections, and monitoring project budgets, service providers, contractors and volunteers or other
participants.

Contracts are prepared and administered, including the identification and address of issues, as required.

Technical input into CLLMM policy and environmental restoration and conservation options and plans is provided through
the application of scientific methodologies, the collection and analysis of data, and the monitoring and evaluation of
performance measurement standards.

CLLMM reporting, advisory, briefing and information management requirements, associated with environmental restoration
and conservation projects, are effectively delivered.

Key internal and external stakeholders, including landholders, NRM Boards, other statutory authorities, and Government and
non-government agencies are engaged to foster awareness on, and a feeling of responsibility for, CLLMM environmental
restoration projects objectives.
Key Relationships

Various consultants, contractors and service providers.

Scientific organisations and Universities.

Internal DEWNR stakeholders including staff from the Regional Services Directorate (South Australian Murray Darling
Natural Resource Management Board (SA MDBNRM), South East, and Murray lands Region) and staff from the Information
Services Directorate (Science Resource Centre).

CLLMM Project Managers and CLLMM Management Team.

State and Australian Government Agencies.

Traditional Owners and landholders.

Volunteers and other NGOs.
Special Conditions

Will be required to participate in fire management or associated duties.

Some out of hours work may be required.

Intrastate and interstate travel including overnight absences may be required.

Current drivers licence is required.
Core Competencies
Shapes Strategic Thinking
and Change
Elements

Thinking and Acting
Strategically
Achieves Results

Delivering Effective Outcomes

Assuming Accountability
Drives Business Excellence

Facilitating Quality and
Continuous Improvements
Forges Relationships and
Engages Others

Establishing and Maintaining
Networks
Exemplifies Personal Drive
and Professionalism

Displaying Flexibility and
Resilience
Behavioural Indicators

Raises potential options for consideration arising
from research analysis

Can identify and articulate potential issues and
implications.

Develops and communicates clear and realistic
goals / expected outcomes for projects and tasks.

Works with team to problem solve over coming
challenges and facilitate the achievement of
outcomes.

Willingly accepts responsibility for own work.

Shows initiative in moving projects forward and
dealing with potential problems for the team

Monitors and questions the effectiveness of
existing practices within the team.

Keeps abreast of developments within the
Directorate/Agency

Builds trust in relationships through maintaining
confidentiality and ‘following through’

Respectfully interacts with people from diverse
backgrounds, including Aboriginal Communities

Adapts to new situations while maintaining the
achievement of outcomes.

Presents a positive and composed manner even
in stressful situations.
Technical, Professional/knowledge and Experience (including qualifications)
Professional Experience

Appropriate degree in biological sciences, natural resource management or equivalent.
Knowledge

Demonstrates a current understanding of environmental issues specifically relevant to the CLLMM region.

Demonstrates a knowledge of project management principles and practices.
Writing Skills

Is thorough in checking work to ensure correct spelling and written communication that is aligned with the expected
standards and protocols of the organisation
Analytical Thinking

Understands the issue or problem that needs to be addressed or solved and can critically examine the possible causes and
identify solutions.

Is proactive in highlighting issues or potential risks that may hinder progress.
Work, Health and Safety
Contribute to workplace safety

Accepts responsibility for own and other’s safety

Actively participates in consultation about work, health and safety issues

Identifies and reports hazards and identifies risk controls where appropriate
Corporate Responsibilities

Maintain a commitment to EEO, Diversity, Ethical Conduct, and record keeping within legislative requirements, according to
the principles of the Public Sector Act 2009.

Actively participate in the Department’s Performance Development and Review Program
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