Program Leader - Bushland, Biodiversity and Fire

Group and Team: Open Space and Fire & Biodiversity 
Location: Council Centre
Employment status: Permanent Full-time 1.0  FTE
Classification: Municipal Officer or Employee Level 5
Agreement: Hobart City Council Enterprise Agreement 2024
Salary range: $123,006 to $125,953 per annum + 13.5% superannuation. 

About the role

Lead the management of one of Tasmania's most significant municipal bushland and biodiversity portfolios.

The Program Leader Fire and Biodiversity is a rare opportunity to shape the future of biodiversity conservation, bushfire resilience and natural area management in Tasmania's capital city.

Leading a skilled and passionate team, you will oversee the management of thousands of hectares of bushland reserves and natural areas, guiding programs that protect Hobart's unique natural values while supporting community safety.

Reporting to the Manager Open Space, you will provide strategic leadership across biodiversity conservation, bushland management, ecological restoration, community and volunteer conservation programs, and bushfire risk management initiatives. You will influence policy, build partnerships and deliver lasting environmental outcomes for Hobart.

This role combines people leadership, strategic thinking and environmental stewardship. You will lead a capable team of specialists, oversee significant programs, projects and budgets, and support a highly engaged volunteer network that contributes directly to the protection and restoration of Hobart's natural environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team of professionals and volunteers.
• Delivering biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and invasive species management programs across the City's bushland estate.
• Overseeing bushfire risk management and community resilience initiatives.
• Managing significant operational programs, projects and budgets.
• Supporting and growing a dedicated volunteer network that contributes directly to the stewardship of Hobart's natural assets.
• Building strong partnerships with government agencies, community organisations and stakeholders.
• Providing strategic advice to support sound environmental and land management outcomes.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Lead one of Tasmania's most significant municipal biodiversity and bushland management programs.
• Influence environmental outcomes across a city renowned for its connection to nature.
• Work alongside passionate professionals, volunteers and partner organisations.
• Deliver meaningful outcomes for biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and community resilience.
• Shape the future management of Hobart's natural assets and bushland landscapes.
• Lead and support a highly engaged volunteer network that makes a lasting contribution to the conservation and restoration of Hobart's natural environment.

Learn more about the role in the position description: Program Leader - Bushland, Biodiversity and Fire Position Description

About you

You are an experienced leader with a background in environmental management, natural areas management, biodiversity conservation, land management, bushfire management or a related field.

You are recognised for your ability to lead people, build positive workplace culture and deliver results through teams. You can navigate complex stakeholder environments, manage competing priorities and provide strategic direction across diverse environmental programs.

We are particularly interested in applicants with strong leadership experience and a track record of delivering environmental, biodiversity, bushland or natural resource management programs. Experience working within complex stakeholder and regulatory environments will be highly regarded.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong program, project and budget management skills.
• Experience delivering biodiversity conservation, natural resource management or land management programs.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• The ability to influence outcomes in complex organisational and community settings.
• Knowledge of bushfire risk management, environmental management or related disciplines.

About us

The City of Hobart offers something for everyone, with connections between nature, history, culture, businesses and each other. We are proud to provide a range of services and facilities that support the wellbeing, safety and participation of the community as well as continuously look to improve and embrace new approaches to achieve better outcomes for all. With an industrious and diversified economy, wherever your skills, talents and passions lie, we can offer you the opportunity to have a rewarding career with ongoing learning and development opportunities.

We recognise contributions to our workforce and offer:

• Above Award wages and Employer Superannuation at 13.5% with salary sacrifice options.
• Flexible work arrangements
• A wide range of leave entitlements.
• Health and Wellness programs, including onsite gyms.
• Discounted membership at Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre.
• Ability to purchase additional leave after 12 months of service.
• An Employee Assistance Program that offers onsite visits.
• Corporate Health Plan discounts with BUPA, St. Lukes and Medibank.

Learn more about what the City of Hobart can offer you.

The City of Hobart is committed to building an inclusive community and workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, ages and identities.

City of Hobart has a strong commitment to health and safety. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment background checks. These will include reference checks, verification of qualifications, National Criminal History record check, and Medical Assessment including drug and alcohol testing.

The City of Hobart operates within the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework, safeguarding children and young people accessing our services and facilities. Your commitment to this framework is essential to improving the way we work, by implementing strategies and actions to promote child safety and wellbeing and preventing harm to children and young people.  The City of Hobart incorporates Tasmania’s Child and Youth Safe Standards in its recruitment process, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people in our community.

Learn more about our vision, mission and values.

How to apply

If you are passionate about our beautiful city and ready to take on a role that challenges and rewards, we would love to hear from you. Apply today!

If you require any further information specific to this role please contact Sean Black, Manager Open Space, on 0438 381 171 or email sean.black@hobartcity.com.au

All applications must be made in the online portal, and you can save your application as you progress through the stages until you submit your final application. If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email details of the issue to recruitment@hobartcity.com.au. Please note that we do not accept applications via email or after the position has closed so if you have issues submitting your application, please contact us prior to the closing time.

Applications close 11:59 pm Sunday 1 November 2026.

Before you begin

You will need to read the position description prior to commencing your application as you will be required to address the key duties, skills and knowledge for this role in 600 words or less.

Please ensure you have copies of your current resume and relevant qualification/s ready to attach at the end of your application.

To protect privacy and prevent fraud, do not upload or email personal documents such as Driver’s licences, passports, or personal tax and superannuation details. Instead:

• Applicants are required to declare they hold the required documentation/licence, and
• Originals will be sighted by People and Culture on the first day of work as a condition of employment.

Selection process

Candidates are initially selected for interview based on the details provided in their application.

The City of Hobart assesses all applications based on merit.

Positions are filled, based on how well the successful candidate meets the requirements of the position.

Learn more about the selection process on our website.