Your first fauna spotter catcher job — what to expect and how to prepare.
Hiring an FSC for the first time can feel opaque. Here's a plain-English walk-through of what a well-run mobilisation actually looks like, from paperwork to demobilisation report.
Before mobilisation
Give the supplier the clearing envelope (a KML, shapefile or annotated map), your Environmental Authority or project approval conditions, the site induction pack, and the program dates. A good supplier turns that around into an itemised quote and — if the scope calls for it — a draft Fauna Management Plan within a couple of business days.
- Clearing envelope (map, KML or shapefile)
- Environmental Authority / approval conditions
- Site induction pack and safety requirements
- Program dates and daily start times
- Nearest depot / accommodation town
On the day
The FSC arrives before the machines start, walks the day's clearing face, checks trees and ground cover for fauna, and gives the machine operator the go-ahead face by face. Any encounter is documented and, if capture is needed, the animal is relocated to appropriate release habitat consistent with the terms of the spotter's permit.
After demobilisation
You should receive a demobilisation report listing every fauna encounter, relocation, injury and treatment. This report goes into your compliance file and is often reviewed at the end-of-project regulator audit — keep it accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do you need?
48–72 hours for metro and regional South East Queensland and the eastern seaboard. A week or more for remote, multi-crew or koala-habitat engagements where a specific Koala Spotter has to be sourced.
What if the crew can't work due to weather?
Standby / weather days are quoted separately. A fair supplier will call the standby before the crew leaves the depot to save you the mobilisation cost.
