Vertebrate Pest Management
Overview
Vertebrate Pest Management is concerned with the management of pest animals on public and private lands as part of commercial production systems or towards broader land management objectives.
Areas of work include: managing vertebrate pests on private and public land, conservation of native animal species, supporting community education and extension, assisting with developing of vertebrate pest management action plans and strategies, responding to emergencies, overseeing vertebrate pest control activities, collect and manage information on vertebrate pests.
| Level | Job Role | Recommended Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Vertebrate Pest Officer | Certificate II in Conservation & Land Management (Vertebrate Pest Management) |
| Level 3 | Senior Vertebrate Pest Operator | Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management (Vertebrate Pest Management) |
| Level 4 | Supervisor | Certificate IV in Conservation & Land Management (Vertebrate Pest Management) |
| Level 5 | Manager/Contractor | Diploma of Conservation & Land Management (vertebrate Pest Management) |
Level 2 - Vertebrate pest officer
Vertebrate pest officers may work for a vertebrate pest contractor or for a land management agency or regional board.
Working with a contractor may require some or all of the following tasks to be performed:
- Operating a range of machinery and equipment which could include tractors, 4x4 vehicles, chemical equipment, aircraft, fire arms and chainsaws
- Safely using chemicals to bait vertebrate pests
- Trapping, handling and/or destroying vertebrate pests
- Working in remote and isolated areas, which will require skills in GPS, map reading and radio communication.
Working with a land management board or agency may require some or all of the following tasks to be performed:
- Operating a range of machinery and equipment, which could include tractors, 4x4 vehicles, agency vehicles, aircraft, firearms and chainsaws.
- Observing and report on vertebrate pest infestations, and non-compliance of landholders in controlling vertebrate pests.
- Checking fence lines and other structures designed to prevent movement of vertebrate pests
- Safely handling and using chemicals under supervision to treat vertebrate pests
- Working in remote and isolated areas, not just on land but also on water where skills may be required to operate a small boat. This requires GPS, map reading and radio communication skills.
- Trapping, handling and/or destroying vertebrate pests
- Providing information to landholders on vertebrate pest programs and policies.
- Responding to fire and other emergencies.
Level 3 - Senior vertebrate pest officer
A senior vertebrate pest officer is a skilled worker who can work effectively on his or her own or as part of a team. They may be employed by a contractor or by a land management agency or regional board.
Working with a contractor may require some or all of the following tasks to be performed:
- Overall coordination of vertebrate pest control programs including machinery and equipment use
- Safe preparation, handling, transportation and use of pesticides
- Working in remote and isolated areas which will require skills in GPS, map reading and radio communication
Working with a land management agency may require some or all of the following tasks to be performed:
- Delivery of pest animal extension and enforcement programs
- Working with community groups and individuals involved in vertebrate pest management
- Provide a range of services to clients such as chemical sales, literature and technical support
- Safe handling, transporting and preparation of chemicals
- Using computer and telecommunications technology including word processing, spreadsheets and databases, voicemail and email.
Level 4 - Vertebrate pest supervisor/ enforcement officer
A vertebrate pest supervisor may be employed by a pest contractor or a land management agency or board.
A vertebrate pest supervisor working for a contractor will usually be responsible for a team of workers and may be required to undertake some or all of the following tasks:
- Daily supervision of staff and their vertebrate pest control activities with responsibility for safety and work performance. This will also include on-job training of staff.
- Planning, scheduling, costing and organising pest control activities to be undertaken in the field
- Planning and implementing chemical use programs and minimising risks in the use of chemicals
A vertebrate pest supervisor working for a land management agency or board will usually be responsible for a team of workers and may be required to undertake some or all of the following tasks:
- Daily supervision of staff and responsibility for their safety and work performance. This will also include on-job training of staff.
- Preparing and implementing vertebrate pest management action plans in liaison with the community
- Operating within the agency's budget, legislation and policies.
- Liaising with and providing information to the media, community and special interest groups.
- An enforcement officer working for a land management agency or board will be responsible the following tasks:
- Working with landholders to ensure they understand and carry out vertebrate pest control as required by agency policies and government legislation
- Providing advice to landholders on vertebrate pest control techniques and legislation
- Inspecting areas to check whether landholders are complying with legislation
- Undertake prosecution procedures and preparing for and giving evidence in court
Level 5 - Manager/ vertebrate pest contractor
At this level responsibilities may cover managing a vertebrate pest control business (contractor) or working within a land management agency or regional board.
Contractors may be required to undertake some or all of the following tasks:
- Overall management responsibility for a vertebrate pest control business including managing business operations and staff
- Preparing and submitting tenders and quotes for work
- Managing and implementing vertebrate pest control contracts and projects
Managers working for a land management agency or board may be required to undertake some or all of the following tasks:
- Overall management responsibility for a business unit including managing business operations and human resources.
- Preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports.
- Implementing development and monitoring of regional vertebrate pest control plans and strategies.
- Assisting in the preparation of land management policy in relation to vertebrate pests
- Preparing and submitting reports, estimates and proposals for projects.