About AWC:

Within AWC's network of sanctuaries or partnership sites, four of these sanctuaries (Karakamia, Paruna, Faure Island and Mount Gibson) occur in southwestern Australia, an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot.  These sanctuaries are home to an internationally significant mammal reintroduction project involving species such as Woylies, Black-flanked Rock-wallabies and Western Barred Bandicoots. 

As part of the mammal reintroduction project taking place at Mt Gibson, AWC has established a 7,838-hectare feral-free area – the largest cat and fox-free area on mainland WA – into which 10 regionally extinct mammals have been reintroduced. This single property will therefore play a critical role in providing a secure future for nearly 10 per cent of Australia’s nationally threatened mammals.

Reporting to the Regional Ecologist – SW, the key duty of the Field Ecologist -SW is to implement AWC’s science program in the south-west – primarily at Mt Gibson, but also at other locations as elsewhere as required. The 2 staff stream (operations and science) work together in an integrated manner to design, implement and measure the effectiveness of land management strategies. This role also works with other staff members, interns, and a range of research students and volunteers. 

Major tasks in the science program include ecological monitoring, the reintroduction of locally extinct species and applied ecological research. The position requires well-developed skills in wildlife survey, animal handling and the conduct of applied ecological research; and a capacity to work as part of a team of ecologists in remote locations. The position will be based at Mt Gibson with field work conducted at Mt Gibson and other AWC wildlife sanctuaries.

Other tasks undertaken by the science team include:

• Working in an integrated way with AWC land managers to plan feral animal control, weed control, fire management and other activities, and report on outcomes
• Working effectively with a range of other key stakeholders especially those in local communities and in the broader scientific community, and
• Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities. 

Critical competencies:

1. Getting things done:  you need good planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and execute tasks in an efficient manner.  
2. Team-work:  you need to work effectively with colleagues and have the capacity to coordinate a small team of interns, volunteers and/ or contractors, including in remote locations.
3. Working with people: you need the ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including other staff within AWC, the broader scientific community, conservation and land management organisations, and Indigenous groups. 
4. Good knowledge of the conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems including the nature and functioning of the Australian biota; and major threats to wildlife and their habitats and how these threats can be mitigated 
5. Well-developed ecological survey skills including animal trapping, identification and handling; camera trapping; and the capacity to conduct other biological surveys (eg, vegetation surveys).
6. Capacity to undertake ecological research including knowledge of the ecological literature; an understanding of experimental design and sampling methods; and skills in statistical analysis of ecological data and the use of computer software packages relevant to the position.
7. Good communication skills including the capacity to draft scientific reports and publications, funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
8. Competence in financial management, paperwork and compliance including the ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner.
9. Resourceful: the ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
10. Willingness to travel as required to conduct the requirements of the position. 

Qualifications:

• A higher degree (honours degree or equivalent) in ecology or a related discipline is essential.

Licenses, Certificates &/or Training:

• A valid manual driver’s licence is essential. 
• National Police Clearance, if requested.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is based at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary where accommodation and facilities (water, internet, electricity) are provided for the successful candidate. This role is proposed to start in April 2025 start and is offered as a 2-year fixed-term contract. 

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Field Ecologist | Mt Gibson

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. 

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.