Field Support Officer – Cool Burn Squad

- Bundaberg or Hervey Bay based
- Full-time | Fixed-term contract to 30 June 2028
- Hands-on environmental monitoring and field support role

Do you enjoy working outdoors, collecting meaningful environmental data and being part of a practical, hands-on project team? Would you like your work to contribute to improved fire management, environmental monitoring and Indigenous-led land management across the Burnett Mary region?

We’re looking for a Field Support Officer to join BMRG’s Cool Burn Squad, combining ownership of soil and environmental monitoring with practical, hands-on support for field operations, site preparation, equipment readiness and cool burn activities.

This is a varied, highly practical role for someone who can take ownership of monitoring requirements while readily undertaking the day-to-day field tasks that keep a crew safe, organised and productive.

About the Role The Field Support Officer will work closely with research staff, fire practitioners, Traditional Owners and other BMRG project personnel to support the planning and delivery of monitoring activities and practical field operations.

You’ll assist with baseline and repeat environmental monitoring, soil and vegetation sampling, GPS and digital field data collection, site assessments and field equipment preparation, while helping ensure information is reliable, traceable and ready to support project reporting and evaluation.

A substantial part of the role is practical field support to the Cool Burn Squad. This includes helping prepare sites and equipment, maintaining operational readiness, supporting vegetation and firebreak preparation, and undertaking other general field tasks under the direction of appropriately qualified personnel.

The position involves regular field work and travel throughout the Burnett Mary region, with travel to other locations as required.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll support BMRG’s field activities by:

- Planning and undertaking soil sampling and other baseline and repeat environmental monitoring, including schedules, site readiness and follow-up requirements
- Undertaking GPS-based and digital field data collection
- Recording accurate site observations, monitoring activities and project works




- Maintaining accurate sample records, including labelling, handling, storage and chain-of-custody documentation
- Coordinating laboratory submissions and maintaining complete and orderly monitoring datasets
- Supporting the integration of field data into Excel, GIS, CRM and project management systems
- Contributing to improvements in field monitoring methodologies and procedures
- Supporting field logistics, mobilisation and demobilisation, and day-to-day deployment readiness
- Preparing, checking, cleaning, transporting and maintaining field and monitoring equipment
- Supporting cool burn activities in accordance with approved burn plans, risk assessments and safety requirements
- Undertaking practical site-preparation tasks including manual labour, preparing and replenishing field consumables and repositioning equipment in accordance with procedures
- Proactively completing other general manual field tasks that help the Cool Burn Squad operate safely and efficiently
- Working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, fire practitioners, landholders, technical specialists and other BMRG teams
- Applying BMRG’s WHS, biosecurity and operational requirements across field activities.

About You You’re practical, reliable and comfortable working in outdoor environments where conditions and priorities can change.

You take pride in collecting accurate information, following agreed methods and procedures, and working safely as part of a field team.

You’ll bring

- Experience or qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management, agriculture, soil science, ecology, land management, environmental monitoring or a related field
- The ability and willingness to undertake regular field-based work in a range of outdoor conditions




- An understanding of environmental monitoring principles and the ability to plan and deliver repeatable sampling against agreed methods
- Strong attention to data accuracy, documentation and traceability
- Ability to use, or willingness to develop competency in, GPS and digital field data collection tools
- Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing field conditions
- Confidence working with field equipment and consumables, including basic equipment preparation, routine maintenance, or willingness to develop these skills
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- A collaborative approach and ability to work respectfully with Traditional Owners, landholders, contractors, community members and project partners
- A robust commitment to safe work practices.

Highly regarded We’d also love to hear from you if you have:

- Practical experience with soil sampling, soil health assessment or soil monitoring
- Experience supporting prescribed or cultural burning, land management, farm, forestry or similar field operations
- Experience using GIS or mapping platforms
- Experience working with CRM or project management systems such as Monday.com
- Experience or qualifications in drone operations or environmental data collection.

Working with BMRG At BMRG, our team works together to create meaningful environmental and community outcomes across the Burnett Mary region.

We value Accountability, Excellence, Honesty, Integrity, Passion and Respect, and are committed to a workplace that supports learning, open communication and respectful engagement with the communities we work alongside.

BMRG values a diverse and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, with reference to the Key Responsibilities and About You sections above.

For more information or to request a copy of the full Position Description, please contact Tamara Aspery at [email protected]

Applications Close 29 September 2026

ABC’s 7.30 recently featured BMRG’s Cool Burn Squad, showcasing the team’s work in cultural burning and caring for Country.

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/7-30/series/0/video/SEGS2026107135290

📌 Field Support Officer – Cool Burn Squad (Hervey Bay)
🏢 Burnett Mary Regional Group for NRM
📍 Hervey Bay