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 to work in the North of Australia! 

About AWC:

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Guided by science, AWC delivers measurable conservation impacts at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species.

At AWC we are inspired by the unparalleled richness of Australia’s wildlife and we are united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. It is our mission to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats and our vision is for a world where Australia’s biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community.

The delivery of AWC’s mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other as a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders. 

About the Role:

AWC manages two wildlife sanctuaries in the northern part of the Northern Territory: Pungalina-Seven Emu, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Wongalara, east of Katherine. In addition, AWC implements conservation management on Bullo River Station, in the Victoria River district, Northern Territory, with planning underway for an ambitious ‘outside the fence’ reintroduction program. AWC also implements a conservation science program on the NAPCo pastoral estate, in western Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

The Field Ecologist plays an important role in the delivery of AWC’s science program at one or more AWC properties and partnership sites in the region. The role primarily involves field work, with associated planning, data management and reporting. The role will also contribute intellectually to the development, analysis and interpretation of AWC’s science program in the region, commensurate with the professional skills associated with an Honours degree or equivalent.

The position will be based at a location to be agreed, with substantial time in the field at AWC properties and partnership sites. These properties are located in remote locations.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Well-developed knowledge of the conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems including the nature and functioning of the Australian biota; and major threats to native wildlife and their habitats and how these threats can be mitigated.
2. Strong ecological field skills including knowledge of, and experience in, the application of standard survey methods in vertebrate ecology, and sound skills in field ecology generally.
3. Capacity to undertake ecological research including sound knowledge of the ecological literature; knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods; skills in the management and analysis of ecological data, and familiarity with computer programs and apps, commensurate with the position.
4. Commitment to conservation: you must have a strong drive to make a positive difference to the conservation of Australian wildlife.
5. Getting things done: you need good planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and deliver a range of tasks in an effective manner.
6. Good interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to work positively and productively as part of a small team in remote locations, with the capacity to manage a small team as required.
7. Collaboration: you need good relationship-building skills, including the ability to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including AWC Operations managers, AWC partners, Indigenous groups, neighbouring landholders, and the scientific and conservation communities.
8. Scientific communication skills including the capacity to draft scientific reports and publications, contribute to funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
9. Competence in financial management, paperwork and compliance including the ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner.
10. Resourcefulness: the ability to improvise and problem-solve, developing practical solutions with the resources at hand.
11. Living in the bush: the field component of the role will be conducted in remote locations. Ideally, you will have experience in living and working in the bush, otherwise the interest and capacity to do so.
12. Willingness to travel as required to conduct the requirements of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An honours degree in conservation ecology or a related field (or equivalent experience). 

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:

• Valid Australian driver’s licence. You will need to be able to drive a manual 4WD vehicle in difficult conditions. Training in relevant competencies may be required. 
• Remote First Aid (Desirable)  

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 include 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 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. 

• PLEASE NOTE: This is a 2 year full time contract, with the successful candidate to be based from an agreed upon location. 

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.