~ An exciting opportunity to play a key role in a nationally significant applied ecology project ~

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is Australia’s largest private owner or manager of land for conservation, protecting endangered wildlife across more than 6.6 million hectares. Our mission is the effective conservation of all Australian native species and the habitats in which they live.

In NSW, AWC has been contracted by the NSW Government to reintroduce up to 10 species of threatened mammals into two NSW protected areas – Mallee Cliffs National Park in south-west NSW, and part of the Pilliga forest in north-central NSW. The Pilliga project site extends over 36,000 ha of Pilliga National Park and the Pilliga State Conservation Area. AWC has constructed a conservation fence on the site to establish a 5,800 ha feral predator-free area, into which six threatened mammal species will be reintroduced. To date, two species have been successfully established on site – the Greater Bilby and Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, with the remaining four species planned for reintroduction from 2021. AWC is also responsible for delivering conservation management and an associated science program (monitoring, research) across the project site.

We are seeking two Field Ecologists, and will accept applications from Senior Field Ecologists so please don’t hesitate to apply if this applies to you.

One role is a 3 year contract position, and one role is a permanent position.

Both roles report to the Pilliga Wildlife Ecologist and play an integral role in implementing AWC’s on-ground science program at the Pilliga project site. The roles require extensive fieldwork, including large fauna and vegetation surveys, translocation of threatened mammals, and long-term ecological monitoring. Data management and reporting are also critical. A higher degree (Honours or equivalent) in ecology/conservation biology (or similar) is essential. Experience in conducting ecological fieldwork/monitoring and associated data management will be highly regarded. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated capacity to work harmoniously and productively in a team environment, and must have well-developed communication and organisational skills. both positions are based at Narrabri, NSW.

You are encouraged to consider applying for the Senior Field Ecologist / Field Ecologist role if you have an established background in conducting ecological fieldwork with a minimum 5 years post-graduate experience and have confidence in your dynamic leadership ability to be able to provide day to day coordination of a small field.

Alternatively, our Field Ecologist role provides a great opportunity to make a difference to conservation within the region. You are encouraged to apply for the Field Ecologist role if you are keen to contribute to the on ground delivery of AWC's science program in the Pilliga, through your sound ecological survey skills and harmonious attitude to working as part of a small close knit team.

Key duties of the Field Ecologist include:

• As part of a team, contribute to the delivery of AWC’s science program in the Pilliga. Major tasks in the science program include ecological monitoring, the reintroduction of locally-extinct species, and ecological research
• Contribute to data management and reporting of AWC’s science program in the Pilliga, ensuring a high level of scientific integrity.
• Contribute to the communication of AWC’s science program to the scientific community and to the public as required.
• Assist with AWC’s fundraising activities as required.

If you are hired at the Senior Field Ecologist level, additional duties may include:

• Taking a lead role in the on-ground delivery of AWC’s science program in the Pilliga. Major tasks in the science program include ecological monitoring, the reintroduction of locally-extinct species, and ecological research.
• Provide day-to-day coordination and leadership in the field to a team of AWC ecologists.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the science program of Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and to make an important contribution to a nationally-significant applied ecology program.

For full position descriptions, please see below or visit our careers page: www.australianwildlife.org/work-with-awc/careers/.

Enquiries only: Dr Greg Holland, Regional Ecologist NSW. [email protected], using the subject line: Senior Field Ecologists / Field Ecologists - Pilliga enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit an application, click ‘Apply Now’.

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 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

To learn more about AWC, please visit our website: www.australianwildlife.org/.