About AWC:

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

AWC’s work is guided by the following values. At AWC, we are:

• Accountable – taking ownership of our actions and outcomes
• Informed – working together to acquire and apply evidence, knowledge and experience
• Respectful – demonstrating care, recognition and integrity 
• Dedicated – committed to delivering effective outcomes, with resilience and tenacity
• Innovative – applying creative thinking for effective solutions
• Sustainable – delivering long-term financial and ecological viability. 

OneAWC ‘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 Central region & Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary:

The central region includes ten sanctuaries across the Northern Territory and South Australia, covering nearly 2 million hectares and protecting various threatened species and habitats. These sanctuaries have unique requirements for fire management, invasive species control, ecosystem restoration, and visitor management. The region employs around 20 full-time staff, several interns, research students, and engages casual staff and volunteers. Operations are overseen by Sanctuary Managers and science programs by the Regional Ecologist (Central South).

Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Australia's largest non-government protected areas, spans 262,000 hectares and features diverse landscapes. A significant project at Newhaven involves creating a massive feral cat-free area, providing refuge for at least 10 nationally threatened mammal species.

You can find more information here: Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary

About the roles:

We are seeking two positions: Senior Land Management Officer (SLMO) and Land Management Officer (LMO), both reporting to the Sanctuary Manager. Within AWC, the operations and science teams work in an integrated manner to design and deliver conservation and land management, and to measure and report on ecological health as part of the national AWC approach to conservation. Both roles contribute directly to this mission by supporting the effective management of land, wildlife, and infrastructure across the sanctuary.

The Land Management Officer is responsible for delivering land management programs for conservation, including fire management, weed and feral animal control. The role also encompasses a wide range of tasks such as asset and infrastructure maintenance, requiring practical trade skills, knowledge of repairs, and the ability to operate a variety of plant and equipment.

Similarly, the Senior Land Management Officer requires practical experience in land management programs, project management, and the use of equipment and tools. In addition to supporting day-to-day operations, this role coordinates multiple projects and engages with a broad range of stakeholders, including scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders, Indigenous communities, and government agencies. The SLMO also plays a key role in developing and implementing new models for conservation in collaboration with central/central-south staff.

Critical competencies:

Both roles require:

1. Practical land and asset management skills – experience in fire management, weed and feral animal control, infrastructure repair and maintenance (e.g., fencing, roads, buildings), and operation of plant and equipment (4WDs, ATVs, tractors, generators, pumps, chainsaws, welders, etc.). A broad knowledge of trades (building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, welding) is desirable.
2. Problem-solving and resourcefulness – ability to develop practical solutions with limited resources.
3. Teamwork and independence – capacity to work effectively in small, often remote teams, as well as independently.
4. Adaptability to remote living – resilience and experience working in rural or semi-remote environments.
5. Conservation focus – understanding of and interest in Australian ecology and conservation issues.
6. IT skills – ability in using standard business software packages (including Word, email, Excel) is essential.

Additional for the Senior Land Management Officer:

1. Leadership and staff management – ability to lead, coordinate, and support operational staff, volunteers, and contractors, often in remote settings.
2. Stakeholder engagement – strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with scientists, Indigenous communities, landholders, government, students, and volunteers.
3. Project and financial management – experience managing multiple projects, budgets, and compliance requirements, including record-keeping and permits.
4. Advanced planning and organisation – demonstrated ability to coordinate day-to-day operations alongside larger conservation initiatives.
5. Specialist land management skills – bushfire control training/experience and advanced 4WD skills suited to challenging off-road conditions.

Qualifications:

Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, but are less important than strong, practical experience and a good track record of delivering ‘on-ground’ results.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

1. A valid manual drivers licence with 4WD experience in difficult conditions is essential. 4WD training can be provided to the successful candidate prior to commencement.
2. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (National Police Check).
3. Medium Rigid drivers licence (desirable).
4. First aid certificate (essential), remote first aid (desirable)
5. Firearm licence (desirable).

PLEASE NOTE: These roles are initially offered as 12-month fixed-term contracts with the possibility of extension or permanency. The roles are based at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, approx. 4.5 hours’ drive north west of Alice Springs. Basic on-site accommodation is provided to the successful candidate. 

To view the detailed position descriptions, please click on the relevant role's link below:

• Senior Land Management Officer | Newhaven
• Land Management Officer | Newhaven

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 undergo relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a national police clearance, 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, you 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.