The Company

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in, protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, they create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all mainland Australian states and territories. Our work focuses on three main biogeographical zones – the Outback, Oceans, and the Southern Murray-Darling Basin.

The Role

The NSW Oceans Coordinator, is responsible for executing TNC’s Oceans strategy in NSW, including the implementation of a substantial conservation project in the Sydney Region. The position reports to the Operations Manager, East Coast, Australia Program and will be part of an exciting national marine team working to restore Australia’s most imperilled marine ecosystems.

Essential Functions

The NSW Oceans Coordinator will be the primary person responsible for the delivery of a substantial conservation project which includes shellfish reef restoration in the Botany Bay, in addition to overseeing other restoration projects in coastal NSW. The NSW Oceans Coordinator will lead the development and coordination strategic regional partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders. The position is responsible for project management, technical and scientific support, leadership as a subject matter expert in marine conservation, including restoration and public promotion of TNC’s conservation work. The NSW Oceans Coordinator integrates science with practice and policy to deliver robust conservation outcomes for the unique marine and coastal waterways of NSW. They develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the conservation needs, engage community, private sector and government support and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect marine ecosystems.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Works with a wide range of partners to develop and execute restoration projects targeted at expanding protection and restoration of critical marine habitats in strategically selected bays and estuaries across New South Wales.
• Oversees the implementation of on-ground coastal restoration projects, with an initial focus on implementing a significant project in Botany Bay and providing support for projects in Port Stephens and Sapphire Coast.
• Communicates TNC and partner-led science and practice to diverse audiences such as government, donors, NGOs, Traditional Owners, fishers, academics, and community groups.
• Provides scientific and technical guidance, project coordination and support to project staff.
• Develops partnerships with government agencies, private industry, universities, Traditional Owners, and community groups to advance the conservation and research priorities of the Australian Oceans Program.
• Leads and assists with peer-reviewed publications, presentations, grant proposals and project reporting.
• Must be able to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Manages contracts, budgets and reporting for funding grants and contractors.

About You

The NSW Oceans Coordinator will require extensive project management skills, excel in a responsive, dynamic, and flexible working environment, and bring technical skills or industry and stakeholder knowledge, complementing those of the Conservancy’s Marine Program. We are looking for someone with exceptional leadership skills who is not afraid to innovate and find new, positive solutions to marine conservation that benefit both people and nature.

Minimum Experience

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Directing a major program or project of strategic importance including leading a multi-disciplinary team and broader people leadership.
• Partnership and business development with non-profit partners, community groups and government agencies.
• Diverse stakeholder management including negotiations of complex agreements
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
• Politically savvy – have the ‘political skills that ensure productive relationships and the ability to maximize and leverage relationships to achieve organizational, team, and individual goals.
• Communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Conversant with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD preferred and 5-7 years related experience.
• Experience in either aquaculture, coastal engineering, or maritime construction.
• GIS mapping and environmental modelling.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in developing and implementing conservation strategies that result in tangible, on-ground outcomes for communities.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Additional Information

• This is a two-year salaried contract, with potential for extension
• Position requires flexibility in working hours and a valid drivers license
• Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in Australia will be considered
• The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process

Talent Nation strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders.