~ Your opportunity to lead a major conservation science program ~

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.

The Regional Ecologist is a senior position in AWC, reporting to the Chief Science Officer. Working closely with AWC’s national science team, the Regional Ecologist - South-east has primary responsibility for leading the development, implementation and reporting of AWC’s science program at our properties and partnership sites in South Australia and central Australia.

In South Australia, AWC manages Yookamurra, Buckaringa, Dakalanta and Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuaries, and implements a conservation and science program on Kangaroo Island in partnership with Western River Refuge. In the Northern Territory, AWC manages Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, and is developing additional conservation and science partnership projects. Yookamurra supports a long-standing AWC reintroduction project, while Newhaven is the location of the first large-scale reintroduction of regionally extinct mammals to central Australia.

A PhD in ecology or similar is essential, as is extensive previous experience in conservation management or a related field. You must be driven to make a substantial contribution to nature conservation in Australia, to contribute to the development of the private nature conservation sector, and assist in the development of AWC’s conservation model.

High level responsibilities of the position include:

• Overseeing the development, implementation and reporting of AWC’s science program in the south-east, the major components of which are: an ecological health monitoring program, research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, and a reintroduction program.
• Providing leadership to AWC ecologists in the south-east

• Contributing to the development of AWC’s national science program, by working with AWC’s other senior ecologists, the Executive and head office

• Working with AWC’s land managers to develop, implement and report on strategies for managing wildfire, pest animals, weeds and other threats on AWC’s south-east sanctuaries
• Developing productive relationships with government agencies, NRM and conservation organisations Indigenous groups, the regional community, external researchers and other stakeholders

• Promoting AWC’s mission and values amongst AWC staff, partners and stakeholders in our projects

• Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities

You will need a demonstrated ability to manage projects and to lead a team of ecologists working remotely. The position requires high-level leadership, communication and organisational skills, and a depth of knowledge of conservation management in the Australian context. This position will be based in Adelaide SA or Alice Springs NT, or as agreed to effectively manage the program.

This is a rare opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation at a senior manager level, and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.

Enquiries only:
Dr John Kanowski, AWC Chief Science Officer | [email protected], using the subject line: Regional Ecologist - South-East enquiry via EthicalJobs

To submit an application, visit our careers page by clicking Apply Now below, then select the relevant job vacancy, click ‘APPLY’ and follow the prompts.

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description on our website or attached. 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 - Regional Ecologist (South-east)