A unique opportunity to help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia

One of the most exciting and rewarding event roles in Australia! This is a rare opportunity to use your outstanding communication and science skills as part of a team protecting the spectacular Australian landscape and its threatened wildlife. If you are a skilled communicator, love camping and have a passion for Australia’s wildlife and wild places, then read on.

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner/manager of land for conservation in Australia, protecting 6.5 million hectares in some of the most remote and spectacular regions of the country. We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, engaging and professional Field Ecologist and Guide to join our ecology guiding team in the delivery of outstanding visitor experiences as well as assist with ecological survey work across AWC’s network of sanctuaries.

Reporting to the Events Project Manager and Regional Ecologist, as well as working collaboratively with other teams, you will ensure the science-based conservation programs delivered by AWC is effectively communicated to the public and AWC supporters, as well as assist with AWC’s science program. This role is split between working as a dedicated ecologist guide on AWC’s visitor and supporter programs during the events season (~70%), and assisting with field-based ecology surveys on AWC sanctuaries (~30%). This role is initially offered on a 12 month contract with the possibility of an extension.

To succeed in this role, you will require:

• A passion for conservation of Australia’s wildlife and its habitats.
• A highly engaging, friendly, intelligent and confident personality.
• Outstanding communication skills - the ability to clearly convey AWC’s mission and inspire support for that mission amongst a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to:
  • Work effectively as part of a small team or, as required, independently;
  • Engage with high net worth individuals, the general public and/or government officials; and
  • Support other staff in the delivery of events.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
• Well-developed field skills and experience in ecological survey work in remote locations.
• Competence in data collection, management and analysis.
• A strong work ethic including a willingness to work long hours and weekends as required.
• An ability to work under pressure and a willingness to adapt.
• A good level of fitness. The role involves physical activities including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing and driving a variety of vehicles. The successful applicant must be physically capable of performing these activities.

Working Environment:

• Flexibility in hours of work is required to meet operational requirements of the role.
• Basic accommodation (predominantly on an AWC sanctuary) for most of the year.
• Regular travel and stays of various lengths at AWC sanctuaries (and sometimes regional cities) are required for much of the year.
• A willingness to work and live in a remote location.
• The ability to work and live in extreme weather conditions (hot and wet and/or dry).

Licenses and Certificates:

• A degree in ecology (or equivalent) to Honours level is essential.
• A current valid Australian (or recognised international license) manual driver’s license, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions is essential.
• Current first aid certificate (essential), senior and/or remote first aid (desirable).
• WA or nationally accredited current RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate (desirable).
• National police clearance certificate.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.

The remuneration offer includes, in addition to salary, basic accommodation.

A Position Description is attached.