‘Help deliver effective conservation in the Kimberley’

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife at 30 sanctuaries in which we own or manage in partnership, covering a total of more than 6.5 million hectares in iconic regions including the Kimberley, and influencing conservation management over more than 6 million hectares of pastoral partnership land. With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation.

AWC’s mission – the effective conservation for all native animal species and their habitats – is achieved by:

• Operations – delivering effective large-scale land management including fire management, feral animal control, weed control and infrastructure management.
• Science – delivering a nationally-coherent program of ecological surveys with a focus on monitoring key conservation assets and threats, conducting applied research relevant to wildlife conservation, implementing conservation programs including reintroductions, and providing advice to management.
• Fundraising – mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of AWC conservation programs.

AWC protects wildlife and their habitats across 7 properties and partnerships in the Kimberley, covering 4.3 million hectares. AWC’s wildlife sanctuaries, and properties in partnership with government and with Indigenous groups, include Mornington-Marion Downs and Charnley River - Artesian Range; partnership sites are Yampi Sound Training Area, under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Defence; and Tableland, Dambimangari and Wilinggin Country, in partnership with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups.

Reporting to the Regional Ecologist – North-west, the Wildlife Ecologist will be part of a team of ecologists responsible for implementing AWC’s science program in the Kimberley (primarily Charnley River–Artesian Range), WA. Key duties of the position include:

• Designing and conducting inventory and monitoring surveys.
• Undertaking and collaborating in research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by AWC’s scale and our integration of science and land management.
• Managing a small team of AWC ecologists, interns and volunteers in the field to implement AWC’s science program.

• Working with AWC land managers to deliver effective conservation. As part of AWC’s approach to conservation, the science team helps design, implement (as required) and report on strategies for the effective management of fire, feral animals, weeds and other threats
• Working with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups as required to scope, plan and implement surveys

• Communicating AWC’s science program to our partners, Traditional Owners, the scientific community and to the public through publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
• Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities.

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD in ecology and relevant experience (AWC will consider appointment at the Senior Field Ecologist level for suitable candidates with a postgraduate degree and extensive relevant experience)
• ideally, a track record in conservation ecology
• leadership, team-building and communication skills
• the capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders including other scientists, land managers, Indigenous groups, neighbours, government agencies and volunteers
• an ability to get jobs done on time and within budget, and
• capacity to live and work in a remote area.

The position will be based at AWC’s Charnley River – Artesian Range Sanctuary in the Kimberley, WA. The role has frequent travel between AWC Sanctuaries and partnership areas in the Kimberley. The job requires extended periods in the field and a balance of office work.

AWC is a leading employer of conservation ecologists. Our mission is the effective conservation of Australia’s wildlife and their habitats. In our work, we are guided by a suite of values including being accountable, informed, respectful, dedicated, innovative and sustainable.

Enquiries

Dr Skye Cameron, Regional Ecologist – North west | [email protected] using the subject line: Wildlife Ecologist - Kimberley enquiry via EthicalJobs | 08 9191 7014 or 0409 342 918

Applications

To submit an application, click "Apply Now" and follow the prompts to complete an online application form.

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description on our website or the attachment.

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place that allows ongoing full-time work in Australia, in order to apply for this position. Sponsorship is not available.
2. If you apply for this role, AWC will include you in its ongoing updates and communications about its events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise

A position description is attached.