Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Field Ecologist - Mid-West to join the West and SA team.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Positively contribute to healing and protecting Country
• This position is located in Geraldton, Western Australia, working across Eurardy, Hamelin and Charles Darwin/Wanarra Reserves
• $78, 524 - $87, 248 plus 12% super per annum
• Full time 1.0FTE, ongoing

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

The Field Ecologist will work with relevant staff, partners and the broader scientific and natural resource management community to assist in delivering a science program that reflects the conservation, cultural and land management of the Mid West Priority Landscape reserves. In turn, the Field Ecologist will contribute to the development, review and adaptation of reserve management plans, monitoring plans and report on progress against goals.

The Field Ecologist will work collaboratively with the relevant Ecologists, Reserve staff, Healthy Landscape Manager and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Partnerships Manager, to ensure learnings from conservation management, species’ recovery and research programs enable adaptive management on reserves. Within their level of experience, the Field Ecologist will provide technical, land management and logistical advice for the development and delivery of conservation activities for the Mid West reserves. Importantly, the Field Ecologist will work with Badimia and Widi Mob of the Yamatji Nation, Nandha and Malgana Traditional Custodians, respecting their aspirations for Country and healthy country aims, and utilising right-way practices, where appropriate.

The Mid West Priority Landscape is a beautiful but harsh environment, largely comprising of semi-arid shrubland ecosystems. It is renowned globally for its spectacular wildflower displays in the cool of winter and spring but equally for its long, hot dry summers. This creates seasonal peaks and troughs in workflows, requiring the Field Ecologist to adeptly balance field and desk-based data tasks, all while considering safety implications.

See here for more information on the Mid West Reserves:

• Charles Darwin Nature Reserve | Bush Heritage Australia
• Eurardy Nature Reserve | Bush Heritage Australia
• Hamelin Station Reserve | Bush Heritage Australia
• Wanarra to be Protected | Bush Heritage Australia
• Download Position Description

What you'll need to succeed

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in ecology or related discipline.
• 2 years or more professional or post-graduate experience in applied ecological monitoring and natural resource management or ecological field research.
• Demonstrated experience assisting in the design, implementation and analysis of ecological monitoring and survey programs.
• A sound knowledge of the political, ecological and social issues related to the Mid-West region.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively and productively in a team environment to deliver natural resource management or research outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly in regional, rural or remote environments.
• Commitment and passion for nature conservation and the objectives and values of Bush Heritage.
• Computer literate with Microsoft Office, email, GIS software, statistical software and other basic software packages.
• A current manual motor vehicle driver’s licence and demonstrated 4WD and 4WD recovery experience.
• A workplace First Aid Certificate or ability to obtain it.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.
• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employed. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.
• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.
• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave for all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Fiamma Riviera (Restoration Ecologist - Mid West) at [email protected] using the subject line: Field Ecologist - Mid West enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST on the closing date.