Program Leader Fire and Biodiversity

Program Leader Fire and Biodiversity

Job No: COH23840

Location: Hobart, TAS

Group and Team: Open Space and Fire & Biodiversity 
Location: Council Centre 
Employment status: Permanent Full-time 1.0 FTE
Classification: Municipal Officer Level 5
Agreement: Hobart City Council Enterprise Agreement 2024
Salary range: $123,006 to $133,254 per annum + 13.5% superannuation.

About the role

The Program Leader Fire and Biodiversity plays a critical leadership role in protecting Hobart's people, property and natural environment. You will lead the City's Fire and Biodiversity program, driving best-practice bushfire risk management, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and invasive species management across Hobart's extensive bushland estate and catchments.

Leading a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, you will provide strategic direction, oversee significant operational programs and budgets, and build strong partnerships with government agencies, community groups and key stakeholders to deliver sustainable environmental outcomes for our community.

Role accountabilities include:

• Leading bushfire risk management, fire hazard reduction and biodiversity initiatives across the City.
• Providing strategic leadership and expert advice on complex bushfire and biodiversity matters.
• Managing the Bush Care program and supporting a volunteer network that contributes to the protection of Hobart's natural assets.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Building relationships across government, industry and community stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for the City and its residents.

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

About you

You are an experienced and inspiring leader with a strong background in bushfire risk management, natural areas management, environmental planning or a related field. You bring a strategic mindset, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to lead complex programs that balance environmental, community and operational priorities.

You will have demonstrated success leading people and projects, managing resources and budgets, and influencing outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups. Your ability to communicate effectively, think strategically and build trusted partnerships will enable you to deliver meaningful outcomes for Hobart's community and environment.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about environmental stewardship and community resilience.
• An outstanding people leader who develops, empowers and motivates teams.
• Experienced in bushfire risk assessment and mitigation.
• Skilled at managing complex projects, competing priorities and strategic programs.
• A collaborative and influential communicator who can engage effectively with government agencies, community groups and industry partners.

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.
• Commuter use of a Council vehicle in accordance with Council's Vehicle Policy. 
• 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're passionate about our beautiful City and ready to take on a role that challenges and rewards, we’d 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]. 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 6 September 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.