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.

AWC’s science program plays a key role in helping AWC meet its mission. On wildlife sanctuaries and partnership sites across Australia, AWC ecologists:

• conduct surveys and measure the status and trend of key biodiversity and threat indicators;
• implement research relevant to the conservation of wildlife, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by AWC’s scale and integration of science and management activities
• plan, implement and monitor reintroductions, and
• contribute to the development of conservation and land management strategies, and report on their outcomes.

AWC is looking to build on its existing strengths by appointing a skilled Spatial Ecologist on the National Science team. Reporting to the Spatial Analyst (who reports to the National Science Manager), the Spatial Ecologist will work closely with all field staff (ecologists and land managers, students and volunteers) as well as AWC’s office-based staff in providing information, advice and support to AWC’s development, communications, legal, executive and board. The Spatial Ecologist will usually be working remotely, using phone and electronic communications, to work with other AWC personnel spread across the country.

The primary duties of the Spatial Ecologist are to work with the Spatial Analyst to:

• Maintain and develop AWC’s fauna databases;
• Train and support AWC personnel with use of fauna databases;
• Undertake spatial data capture and editing;
• Produce maps and other communication outputs;
• Train and support AWC personnel with GIS use.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Demonstrated capability in capture, management and documentation of ecological data;
• Knowledge of Australian fauna and/or flora and a working knowledge of state and federal threatened species categories.
• Demonstrated capability in spatial data generation and map production and experience using ArcGIS and/or QGIS software;
• Proven capacity to work independently;
• Proven capacity to work co-operatively and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel as required to meet the requirements of the position.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a growing, innovative, successful organisation which is helping shape the future of conservation in Australia. Competitive remuneration is available for a candidate with suitable experience.

Enquiries to:

Dr Liana Joseph, AWC National Science Manager | liana.joseph@australianwildlife.org, using the subject line: Spatial Ecologist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit an application, visit our careers page (linked above), select the relevant job vacancy, click ‘APPLY’ and follow the prompts.

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’s sanctuaries, please visit our website www.australianwildlife.org/sanctuaries/

Position Description - Spatial Ecologist 2020