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Landcare Worker

Also known as Conservation Worker and Conservation Employee.

Landcare workers perform a range of tasks to maintain and restore native bushland and farmland.

Landcare workers frequently use herbicides and equipment to prune trees and remove debris.

Much of the work is fairly strenuous and involves a lot of bending and working at ground level.

This is an outdoor job and workers are exposed to the elements.

TASKS

Landcare workers may perform the following tasks:

kill and remove weeds and unwanted vegetation using minimal disturbance techniques or herbicides
collect seeds from local and native plants
propagate local and native plants
replant native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers
take part in pest eradication programmes (rabbit, for example)
collect botanical and environmental data
map vegetation
construct and maintain tracks and facilities in bushland
maintain equipment
apply control measures to combat salinity

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to perform physical outdoor work
interested in the preservation of natural bushland
good attention to detail
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to work as part of a team

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Bushland Regenerator - aims to restore disrupted native bushland as close as possible to its original, undisturbed state.

Environmental Field Officer - applies appropriate control measures to assist in protecting and minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a landcare worker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in conservation and land management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a landcare worker through a traineeship in Conservation and Land Management.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Landcare workers are employed by state, territory and local governments, private organisations and mining companies.

Job opportunities are expanding with greater awareness of environmental issues. With experience, and sometimes further training, landcare workers may progress to more senior or specialised roles, such as technical officer, project officer and project manager.