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 such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation.

AWC’s mission - to deliver 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.

As newly established role at AWC, the Assistant Operations Manager will work as part of a small team (the National Operations team) which provides overall guidance and support to the AWC Operations team; in particular, sanctuary staff.

The primary responsibilities of the National Operations team are:

• Budgets and operational planning
• Supporting sanctuary-based staff with the implementation of:
  • Land management programs (guided by the Conservation and Science Program) covering fire management and control, weed control, and feral animal control and monitoring;
  • Asset and infrastructure development, management and maintenance.
• Compliance and administration, including the development and implementation of policies and strategies
• Insurance and asset management
• Communications, fundraising and supporter event support
• Telecommunications & Information Technology support

• Project management for discrete infrastructure and procurement projects
• Overseeing the implementation, compliance, administration and reporting of partnership contracts

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the primary duties of the Assistant Operations Manager are:

• Provide support to AWC regional and field-based staff and partnership clients.
• Project support to the Operations Manager, assists in the administration of large projects.
• Project management of smaller projects from initiation to completion.
• Assists in the stakeholder relationship and contract management.
• Oversee duties of Operations Administrator.
• Guides the deployment of new Asset Management database including reporting and centralised procurement assistance. Assist with configuration, testing, roll out and training.
• Researches and processes operations related grants and prepares materials for other projects e.g. renewables fundraising work.

To be successful, you will need:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role demonstration ‘on the ground’ results (preferably in an operational, service or project environment)
• Ownership of responsibilities and project completion, showing initiative, problem solving and resourcefulness.
• Strong organisational skills including demonstrated ability to ascertain and juggle competing priorities, executing a large number of tasks in an efficient and organised manner, and a high level of attention to detail.
• Aptitude in learning and using new computer programs (TechOne finance system, web CMS) and systems (Tracertrack, EAM) including administration and management of data and outputs.
• Proficiency in implementing and working with administrative and basic financial management processes plus developing and working to internal controls and processes.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of and experience with MS Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), general computer and touch-typing skills, and ability to create (desirable) and maintain detailed spreadsheets.
• A positive, mature attitude and strong work ethic.
• Excellent writing skills and demonstrated experience in drafting effective approval applications, letters, reports and other correspondence.
• Professional telephone, email and personal communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively with a varied and diverse team within a geographically distributed organisation.
• A background or interest in nature conservation is highly desirable.

This role is predominately office-based however from time-to-time, you may be required to travel to sites in rural and remote locations and can occasionally be away from an established field base. This is a great opportunity to be part of a growing, innovative, successful organisation which is helping shape the future of conservation in Australia. Competitive remuneration is available for a candidate with suitable experience.

Initial Enquiries to:

Fiona Tran, HR Advisor | [email protected], using the subject line: Assistant Operations Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs | 08 9380 9633

To submit an application, visit our careers page (linked above), select the relevant job vacancy, click ‘APPLY’ and follow the prompts.

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing your experience, critical competencies, and interest in the role. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

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. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

To learn more about AWC’s sanctuaries, please visit our website www.australianwildlife.org/sanctuaries/.

Position Description - Assistant Operations Manager 2020