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 a field ecologist at the Charnley Artesian Range Sanctuary and Wilinggin Partnership sites. 

About AWC:

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting wildlife and their habitats at 30 sanctuaries and partnership areas, covering a total of more than 6.8 million ha across Australia. In addition, AWC is contributing to conservation management of 6.1 million ha of land managed by our pastoral partners. 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 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 to management.

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

About the Role:

Three of AWC’s sanctuaries are in the Kimberley region: Mornington, Marion Downs, and Charnley River – Artesian Range, along with three partnerships, the Dambimangari, Wilinggin, and Yulmbu Aboriginal Corporations. AWC also implements conservation management on Yampi Sound Training Area under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Defence. In total, these sanctuaries and partnerships cover a combined area of over 4.3 million ha and protect numerous threatened habitats and species. 

The position requires well-developed 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. The appointee must be motivated to work in the private nature conservation sector and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model.

Key Duties:

• Conducting monitoring surveys, managing data, and contributing to evaluation of results.
• Contributing to research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by AWC’s scale and our integration of science and land management.
• Working as part of a small team of AWC ecologists, interns and volunteers in the field to implement AWC’s science program.
• Working with AWC land managers to deliver effective conservation. As part of AWC’s approach to conservation, the science team helps design, implement (as required) and report on strategies for the effective management of fire, feral animals, weeds and other threats
• Working with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups as required to implement surveys, conduct planning activities and provide on job training
• Contributing to the communication of AWC’s science program to our partners, Traditional Owners, the scientific community and to the public through publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
• Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• A Honours degree (or equivalent) in ecology or related field.
• Valid manual Australian Drivers Licence with 4WD experience 
• Remote First Aid (Desirable) 
• Police Clearance 

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, often 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 in order to carry out the inherent role responsibilities. 

• Position Description: CRAR WAC Field Ecologist (If you are viewing from an external site such as SEEK, please view our website for the job description)

PLEASE NOTE: This is a full time fixed term role for 2 years, with chance of extension at the end of the two years. The position will be based at AWC’s Charnley River Artesian Range Sanctuary in the Kimberley, but will work on other sites in the Kimberley as required. The position involves extensive field work in remote locations and a balance of office work.

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: people@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.