About us

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife at 31 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 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.

About the Sanctuary

Since the extensive wildfires during the summer of 2019/2020, AWC has been working with local conservation organisation, Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife (KILfW), and concerned landholders, to help protect the critically endangered Kangaroo Island Dunnart and other threatened species.

Covering 440,000 hectares, Kangaroo Island is a renowned biodiversity hotspot, and natural haven for several threatened and endemic species, and is best known for its rugged landscapes and close encounters with native wildlife.

AWC and KILfW are working to protect the Kangaroo Island Dunnart population by establishing a safe haven within a feral cat-proof fence in the Western River area of Kangaroo Island. The critical refuge offers respite for many other fauna & flora impacted by the fires, including the Kangaroo Island Echidna, Bassian Thrush, Western Whipbird, Heath Monitor, Southern Emu-wren and Southern Brown Bandicoot.

Kangaroo Island is a critical partnership project for AWC and falls within the Central and South Australia region which comprises of five sanctuaries located across Northern Territory, New South Wales and South Australia. These properties span over 1 million hectares and protect a diversity of threatened species and habitats. Each sanctuary has its own unique requirements for the management of fire, the control of invasive species, the restoration of ecosystems and the management of visitors.

About the role

Reporting to the Operations manager KI, AWC is seeking an experienced Land Management Officer, to support the Kangaroo Island project in a range of land management, asset and infrastructure programs.

The successful applicant, with the guidance and support of the Operations Manager KI, will be responsible for delivering the day-to-day activities outlined in an approved Conservation Works Plan. The successful applicant will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of land management programs for conservation including fire management, weed and feral animal control.

In addition, the role of the Land Management Officer will be required to participate in a broad range of asset and infrastructure maintenance tasks. Practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use, a wide range of plant and equipment is essential. The role will also require the successful applicant to participate in ecological surveys to support the on ground science program.

The successful applicant will need to be capable of working with a wide range of people including private landholders, land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders, government officials, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation.

About You

• Demonstrated experience across a broad range of natural resource / land management functions
• Good communication and interpersonal skills across a wide range of groups including neighbouring landholders, scientists, traditional owners, volunteers, contractors and visitors is essential.

• Demonstrated capability to work alone or equally able to work as part of a small team.
• A demonstrated ability to organise, co-ordinate, prioritise and execute a number of tasks in an efficient manner.
• Ability to use standard business software packages including Word, Excel, and email.
• A willingness to spend extended periods in the field.
• The ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
• Understanding of and interest in Australian ecology and conservation issues.

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

Initial Enquiries to:

Catherine Johnson - [email protected] using the subject line: Land Management Officer - Kangaroo Island enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications via:

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 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, please visit our website www.australianwildlife.org/

Click here to view the Position Description - LMO KI JD