Revegetation Officer

Where They Work

Revegetation officers usually work on large, often remote, sites reclaiming degraded land such as mine sites. In places like Australia and other resource rich countries, many resource companies are responsible for the revegetation of the land after the minerals have been extracted. As part of the work seeds are collected from species endemic to the immediate area, stored if possible, propagated in a nursery, grown on and planted out on the reclaimed land.

This type of work isn't limited to disused mine sites, many countries have issues with tracts of degraded land through salination problems as an example, and people with revegetation knowledge and experience are needed to oversee some of these projects. Revegetation involves working on large sites and returning them to their natural condition.

What They Do

This can be a physically demanding job as long periods can be spent planting plugs or tube stock in areas devoid of shade.

Some key responsibilities are:

Nursery work such as propagating and growing plants on.
Collecting seeds and plant material.
Overseeing regeneration projects.
Planting out and protecting with tree guards.
Monitoring and maintenance of the site.

What is Needed

Horticulturists with a very good plant knowledge, especially ones endemic to the local area/country. At an entry level it is advantageous to have some basic horticultural and nursery experience/knowledge.

Having a good understanding of species selection and the importance of creating a habitat that will replicate the original vegetation before it was disturbed.

Opportunities

Experienced Revegetation Officers are sought after in areas where the land has become degraded through poor agricultural practices, reclaiming mine sites, planting out shelter belts or reforestation projects. Since some of the work conducted is collecting and propagating plant material, having a good understanding of various propagation techniques is very important.