Victorian Native Grassland Offset Manager
WARRAMBINE PASTORAL PTY LTD – Shelford VIC
We are seeking a hands‐on, dedicated Native Grasslands Offsets Manager to lead the protection, restoration, and operational management of these critically key ecological areas.
If you would like to be the new care‐taker of our beautiful, very high quality critically endangered natural temperate grasslands filled with native tussock grasses, rare orchids and diverse wildflowers - we would love to hear from you!
This job will suit someone who loves being outdoors and out in nature and is physically fit as it involves a lot of walking. You will mostly work independently - leading a team during peak spraying season.
This role is onsite in Shelford which is 50 minutes from Geelong and Ballarat and close to Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Teesdale, Meredith and Buninyong.
Key Responsibilities
Offset Management: Take full responsibility for the operational maintenance, restoration, and weed control across ~930ha of native grassland offsets.
Hands‐on Weed Control: Execute targeted weed control strategies using various application methods (predominantly knapsack and spot spraying).
Team Leadership: Employ, coordinate, supervise, and work alongside small teams (up to 6 casuals/backpackers) during peak seasonal workloads.
Ecological Restoration: Direct and carry out seeding, planting, native vegetation establishment, and broader ecological works.
Fire Management: Plan and execute seasonal ecological controlled burns.
Infrastructure & Maintenance: Construct and maintain temporary exclusion fencing and perform general land management tasks.
Compliance & Mapping: Maintain accurate field records, spray logs,



and track weed management progress across the property.
In less busy times of year it is likely you will need to help out with other farm tasks such as assisting with farm infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, help with stock or other tasks as they arise.
A Note on Peak Season:
While this is a manager‐level role requiring high autonomy, planning, and team leadership, it is inherently hands‐on. During peak weed season (Spring/Early Summer), you will be on the ground alongside your team‐carrying a knapsack and leading from the front to stay ahead of target species.
For the right person, this position could also be done via contract and completed in 6 - 7 months per year during the spraying season.
Leadership Skills: Experience supervising or leading small teams on practical field tasks.
Physical Fitness & Drive: Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions, highly self‐motivated, and taking personal accountability for results. This is a very physically active role.
Botanical Knowledge: Solid plant identification skills (identifying both native species and targeted invasive weeds). Gaps in specific local species can be taught on site. You must be able to teach your team to identify the targeted species.
Autonomy:



Ability to safely and efficiently manage your day‐to‐day schedule and tasks without direct supervision.
Qualifications (TAFE or Tertiary) in Conservation & Ecosystem Management (CLM), Natural Resource Management (NRM), or relevant environmental fields.
Current Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP).
Experience with Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) grassland ecosystems.
Practical ecological burning experience.
Basic GIS mapping, spatial tracking, or digital data collection skills.
Have some experience or knowledge about Offsets management processes and Offset Managements Plans.
What We Offer
Autonomy & Impact: The chance to manage and protect a critically important, large‐scale conservation asset.
Accommodation: Basic, on‐site short term accommodation is available in our farm shearers' quarters if required. Priority given to candidates based in or relocating to Geelong/Ballarat/surrounding regional areas - for example can be used short term until long term alternative is secured.
Immediate Start Available: We are keen to onboard the right candidate promptly to allow for a comprehensive handover before late winter ecological burns and spring activity begins.
More About Us.
Our offsets are located in two areas in Shelford and Cressy. Warrambeen is a large, historic, family‐run farming enterprise in Shelford, combining high-quality Merino sheep and Angus cattle breeding with seasonal cropping. Deeply committed to environmental stewardship, we actively protect and manage approximately 930 hectares of high-value remnant native grasslands (Victorian Volcanic Plains).
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📌 Victorian Native Grassland Offset Manager (Victoria)
🏢 WARRAMBINE PASTORAL
📍 Victoria