Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife at 29 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 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.

Of the 29 sanctuaries, 6 sanctuaries are in the southeast region: Kalamurina, Buckaringa, Dakalanta and Yookamurra in SA, Newhaven in NT, and Scotia in NSW, covering a combined area of more than 1 million hectares and protecting a diversity of threatened species and habitats.

Covering 262,000 hectares, Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia’s largest non-government protected areas. At Newhaven dramatic quartzite mountains overlook extensive parallel sand dunes, spinifex grasslands, salt lakes and mulga woodlands. Newhaven is a hotspot for the wildlife of central Australia.

At Newhaven, AWC has initiated a project of global biodiversity significance- the establishment of one of Australia’s largest feral predator-free areas, currently covering 9,400 hectares, with future stages potentially increasing this area to up to 100,000 hectares. We plan to reintroduce at least 10 nationally-threatened mammal species to this area. The Mala is already established, with additional species including the Numbat, Golden Bandicoot, Greater Bilby, Burrowing and Brush-tailed Bettongs, and Central Rock Rat, planned for coming years.

AWC is seeking a highly motivated ecologist to help implement conservation programs on Newhaven.

The key responsibility of the position is to lead the team of ecologists based on-site to deliver AWC’s science program on Newhaven, including:

• Scoping and undertaking the measurement of ecological health
• Planning, implementing and monitoring the reintroduction of regionally-extinct mammals
• Developing and conducting research relevant to wildlife conservation
• Ensuring the tight integration of the science program with AWC’s land management where the Operations and Science teams are expected to work together as part of a national AWC approach to conservation.

We are looking for an ecologist who is driven to make a significant contribution to the conservation of Australia’s wildlife. The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

• For appointment at the Wildlife Ecologist level, a PhD in ecology or a related discipline, plus relevant experience (including biological survey, research and monitoring), or for appointment at the Senior Field Ecologist level, a research higher degree (e.g., MSc) and extensive relevant experience
• Demonstrated capacity to lead a small team implementing a major project in a remote environment
• The ability to work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders including land managers, neighbours, Indigenous communities, government agencies and volunteers
• Strong field skills and relevant analytical skills
• The aptitude for getting work done on time and budget

Based at Newhaven (4.5 hours’ drive north of Alice Springs), where on-site accommodation is provided, this is a unique opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.

This is a temporary appointment (1 year, initially). AWC will seek to provide further opportunities to the appointee, based on performance.

Enquiries only:

Dr Jeff Foulkes, SE Regional Ecologist via email [email protected], using the subject line: Wildlife Ecologist / Senior Field Ecologist - Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0428 370 732

To submit an application, click ‘APPLY NOW’ 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.

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 - Newhaven Wildlife Ecologist/Senior Field Ecologist 2020