Join Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC): Protect Australia’s Unique Wildlife!

Are you passionate about conservation and making a real difference for Australia’s endangered wildlife? AWC, a global leader in conservation, is looking for Ecologist Guides.

About AWC:

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a global leader in conservation, providing hope for Australia’s wildlife with a science-informed, land management partnership approach which delivers high impact results. We protect endangered wildlife in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.  

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 on land management.   

• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of AWC conservation programs.    

OneAWC is defined as ‘a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders. A group of people who all understand AWC’s mission, vision and their role in contributing to the achievement of mission and vision, all connected and working towards a common purpose, guided by a set of shared values’.  The delivery of AWC’s mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other. 

About the Roles:

Reporting to the Senior Field Ecologist & Guide, you will work as part of a team communicating AWC’s conservation science and land management programs to public visitors and AWC supporters.

To succeed in this role, you will require:

• A passion for the conservation of Australia’s wildlife and habitats.
• A highly engaging, friendly, professional and confident personality.
• Outstanding communication skills - the ability to clearly convey AWC’s mission and inspire support for that mission amongst a wide variety of stakeholders.
• The confidence to lead and deliver an exceptional and thoughtful visitor experience (e.g. including bird watching and helicopter tours).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to:
• Work effectively as part of a small team or, as required, independently.
• Engage with high-net-worth individuals, the public and/or government officials.
• Support other staff in the delivery of events.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute many tasks in an efficient manner.
• A strong work ethic including a willingness to work long hours and weekends as required.
• An ability to work under pressure and a willingness to adapt.
• A good level of fitness, including competent swimming ability. The role involves physical activities including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing.
• Confidence driving a variety of vehicles.
• Skills and experience in wildlife survey, experience in the conduct of applied ecological research; and a capacity to work as part of a team of ecologists in remote locations.
• Good ecological knowledge on the function of Australian ecosystems, conservation of threatened species, impacts of threatening processes and ways of mitigating those impacts, and principles and practice of reintroduction biology. 
• Motivation to work in the private nature conservation sector and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Flexibility in work hours is required to meet operational requirements of the role.
• Basic accommodation on AWC sanctuaries is provided for on-site work.
• A willingness to work and live in a remote location.
• The ability to work and live in extreme weather conditions (hot, humid, dry, wet).

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. A degree in ecology (or equivalent) is essential. Honours is desirable.
2. Extensive field guiding experience is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:   

1. A valid manual driver’s licence with 4WD experience.
2. Current first aid certificate (essential), senior and/or remote first aid (desirable).
3. Nationally accredited current RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate (desirable).
4. Working with Children Check (if relevant).
5. National police clearance certificate.

Inherent requirements of the role: The execution of tasks associated with the position will involve fieldwork in remote locations and can sometimes be away from an established field base, at times in isolated locations working alone. The working environment will be predominantly outdoors and often in the extremes of weather – hot and wet and/or dry. The position can be physically demanding and may require walking and climbing over rough terrain, heavy muscular activity including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing and driving a variety of vehicles. In addition, the applicant will conduct periods of office work, planning and supervising projects. The successful applicant must be physically capable of performing these activities in the locations required to carry out the inherent role responsibilities.

Job Description: Ecologist Guide Sydney and Ecologist Guide Perth (if viewing on an external platform, please go to our website to access the links)

• PLEASE NOTE: The remuneration offer includes, in addition to salary, basic accommodation and catering while on site for events or surveys. The roles are set to start in March 2025. 

Join our Journey:

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC!  AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process. 

For Initial enquiries: employment@australianwildlife.org

APPLICATIONS: To submit an application, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

Please note: 

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
2. Applicants will under go relevant pre-employment checks, which may include an online medical and a values-based assessment. 
3. 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.
4. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.