About AWC:

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a global leader in conservation, providing hope for Australia’s wildlife with a science-informed, land management partnership approach which delivers high-impact results. We protect endangered wildlife across 12.9 million hectares in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

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 the largest national biological survey program with a focus on measuring the population of indicator species and the extent of threatening processes as well as conducting research on key issues such as feral cat control.
• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax-deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of field updates from around the AWC estate.

About the role:

Reporting to the Scotia Sanctuary Manager, this position will undertake operational activities at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on the NSW-SA border, around 150 kilometres south of Broken Hill, the sanctuary contains one of the largest fox and cat-free areas on mainland Australia, and is home to some of the largest remaining populations of threatened mammals such as Bilbies, Numbats, and Bridled Nailtail Wallabies. Outside the feral predator-free area, AWC’s land management protects a wealth of other inland biodiversity, such as a diverse population of small mammals, including threatened species such as the Southern Ningaui and Bolam’s Mouse. There are over 170 bird species such as Malleefowl, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Scarlet-chested Parrot, Striated Grasswren, Pied Honeyeater and Chestnut Quail-thrush, and over 50 reptiles including threatened species such as the Western Blue-tongue and the Marbled Delma.

Land management at AWC is all about working on the ground to make sure our conservation interests are well-looked-after. Our land management model is centred around fire management feral animal control and weed management. Experience in these areas is desirable but more important is being comfortable working practically on the land in a remote setting.

The Land Management Officer will also liaise with all southeast staff (operations and science) in order to fulfil the duties required of this role, a key component of which is the facilitation and coordination of efficient operations. Within AWC, the Operations and Science teams work in an integrated manner to design and deliver conservation and land management and to measure and report on ecological health as part of the national AWC approach to conservation. The position will be expected to build and maintain professional working relationships with the other science staff in the region. The LMO will be capable of facilitating day-to-day activities and multiple projects and work with a range of stakeholders including scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders including indigenous communities and government, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation. This position may also be required to assist at other South-east Region Sanctuaries from time to time.

Critical competencies:

1. A broad knowledge of trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
2. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance including skills relevant to:
   • Implementation of the approved asset and infrastructure maintenance program (building, fencing, roads etc).
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment including carrying out routine mechanical repairs to:
     • 4WD’s, All terrain vehicles, back hoes, tractors etc;
     • Small motor maintenance: Generators, pumps etc; and
     • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
     • Firearms
     • Fire-fighting and weed spraying equipment
   • General infrastructure projects including construction, earth works, fencing and building.
3. Knowledge of practical land management programs including:
   • Fire management;
   • Weed control programs; and
   • Feral animal control programs.
4. Understanding of and interest in Australian ecology and conservation issues.
5. Excellent stakeholder engagement and people management skills, including staff and contractor management and volunteer supervision
6. Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques.
7. Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
8. The ability to improvise and problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
9. Willingness and ability to work as part of a small team or independently without supervision.
10. Ability to use standard business software packages (Excel, Word and email) is essential.
11. Experience of working and living in a rural/remote area.

Qualifications:

1. Relevant trade/ TAFE qualification (desirable).
2. Practical experience in delivering ‘on-ground’ results and a willingness to turn a hand to most tasks will be highly regarded over formal qualifications.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

1. A current valid Australian (or internationally recognised) manual driver’s licence, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions is essential
2. Experience (and relevant licences) in operating agricultural machinery such as tractors and backhoes (desirable)
3. Bushfire control training and experience (desirable)
4. Current first aid certificate, senior and/or remote first aid (desirable)
5. Firearms experience and current licence (desirable)
6. National police clearance certificate

NOTE: this role will require the sucessful individual to stay onsite for periods of time.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Land Management Officer | Scotia

Join our Journey:

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC!

AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process.

Initial enquiries: [email protected] using the subject line: Land Management Officer - Scotia enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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 attachment.

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply for the internship program. 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.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.