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. 

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. 

About the role:

In South-east Australia, AWC has been contracted by the NSW Government to reintroduce up to 11 species of threatened mammals into two NSW protected areas – Mallee Cliffs National Park in south-west NSW, and part of the Pilliga forest in north-central NSW. The Mallee Cliffs project site extends over 57,900 ha. AWC has constructed a conservation fence on the site to establish a 9,500 ha feral predator-free area, into which ten threatened mammal species will be reintroduced. To date, nine species have been successfully established on site – the Greater Bilby, Numbat, Brush-tailed Bettong, Burrowing Bettong, Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby, Greater Stick-nest Rat, Red-tailed Phascogale, Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse and Shark Bay Bandicoot, with the remaining species planned for reintroduction in coming years. AWC is also responsible for delivering conservation management and an associated science program (monitoring, research) across the project site.

Also in NSW, AWC runs a long-term reintroduction project at Scotia Sanctuary, with Numbat, Greater Bilby, Burrowing Bettong and Bridled Nailtail Wallaby occurring within an 8,000-ha fenced area. Additional translocations are also planned for Scotia from 2026.

Reporting to the Mallee Cliffs/Scotia Wildlife Ecologist, the Field Ecologist/Senior Field Ecologist will take a lead role in implementing AWC’s on-ground science program at Mallee Cliffs National Park and Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary. The position requires extensive fieldwork, including large fauna and vegetation surveys, translocation of threatened mammals, and long-term ecological monitoring. Data management and reporting are also critical. For appointment at the Senior level, leadership skills are essential, including providing day-to-day coordination of a small field team. Appointment at the Senior level will also require working closely with the Mallee Cliffs/Scotia Wildlife Ecologist and Regional Ecologist South East to ensure data is collected and collated to a high standard, to prepare high quality reports according to deadlines, to meet obligations associated with approvals (e.g., Animal Ethics approvals, Scientific Licences), and to prepare other critical documents (e.g., Translocation Proposals). A higher degree (Honours or equivalent) in ecology/conservation biology (or similar) is essential (with an additional 5 years relevant work experience to be considered at the Senior level). The successful applicant will have a demonstrated capacity to work harmoniously and productively in a team environment, and must have well-developed communication and organisational skills. This position is based at Buronga, NSW.

Key Duties:

3. Contribute to the communication of AWC’s science program to the scientific community and to the public as required.
4. Assist with AWC’s community engagement and fundraising activities as required.

Additional duties associated with appointment at Senior Field Ecologist level include:

• Taking a lead role in the on-ground delivery of AWC’s science programs at Mallee Cliffs and Scotia.
• Provide day-to-day coordination and leadership to a team of AWC ecologists.
• Contribute to higher-level preparation and planning required for delivery of AWC’s science program at Mallee Cliffs and Scotia, including logistics, approvals, and associated document preparation.

Qualifications:

An honours degree in ecology or a related discipline is essential.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

A valid manual driver’s licence is essential.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a two year fixed term contract. 

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.