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 role:

As the Senior Land Management Officer (SLMO), you will play a key role in delivering on-ground conservation outcomes across AWC’s central-south region. Reporting to the Sanctuary Manager, this is a hands-on role suited to someone with a strong practical background, a passion for protecting Australia’s wildlife and landscapes, and experience delivering land management programs such as fire, weed and feral animal control.

You’ll be responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations, managing multiple projects, and maintaining the use and upkeep of plant, equipment and infrastructure. Trade experience, bushfire training and a solid understanding of remote land management are all highly regarded.

Working closely with both the operations and science teams, you’ll contribute to an integrated approach to conservation that combines practical land management with ecological research and monitoring. The role also involves collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, local communities and government agencies, as AWC continues to develop and implement an innovative model for conservation.

Critical competencies:

1. Getting things done: Exceptional planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and complete a large number of tasks efficiently.
2. Leading people: Proven leadership and people management skills, including experience coordinating and supporting remote teams of operational staff, volunteers and contractors.
3. Working with others: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
4. Land and asset management: Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience in land management programs such as fire management, weed and feral animal control, or similar transferable skills. Practical experience is also required in:
   • Delivering infrastructure projects (for example, fencing, road maintenance and building work)
   • Operating and maintaining plant and equipment (such as graders, tractors, generators, pumps, power tools and welders)
   • Applying a broad understanding of trades including building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding and electrical work
   • Bushfire control and 4WD operation in off-road conditions
5. Financial management: Ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective way, code and track expenditure, and operate within budgets.
6. Compliance and administration: Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and implement permit and authorisation processes.
7. Problem-solving: Resourceful and adaptable, able to develop practical solutions and improvise when faced with limited resources or challenging conditions.
8. Remote living: Comfortable living and working in isolated environments, with prior experience in rural or remote areas preferred.
9. Technology skills: Competent in the use of standard business software including Word, Excel and email.
10. Commitment to conservation: A strong interest in and understanding of Australian ecology and conservation, particularly in the arid regions of Australia.
11. Flexibility: Willingness to travel and work across AWC’s central region as required.

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. 
2. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
3. Medium Rigid drivers licence (desirable).
4. First aid certificate (essential), remote first aid (desirable)
5. Firearm licence (desirable).

The roles are based at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, approx. 4.5 hours’ drive north west of Alice Springs. Due to the shared accommodation available on-site, the Newhaven vacancies are open to two people who know each other and are comfortable sharing living arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is offered as an initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with potential for extension or ongoing employment. 

To view the detailed position description, please click on the link here: Senior 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.