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:

AWC has partnered with Traditional Owners of the Ngalurrtju Aboriginal Land Trust, Northern Territory (formerly Mt Wedge Station) north-west of Alice Springs. The partnership project aims to deliver effective conservation across the vast 323,128 ha Ngalurrtju Aboriginal Land Trust, by applying AWC’s approach to conservation alongside strong engagement with Traditional Owners in planning and through direct employment of Indigenous Rangers to deliver the conservation program. 

An established Steering Committee of Anmatyerr, Warlpiri and Luritja Traditional Owners guides management activities and endorses the program to ensure they align with the partnership’s mission of ‘working two-ways to protect country and culture’.

AWC is seeking an enthusiastic conservation practitioner to join the team as a Senior Land Management Officer (SLMO). In this role, you will support the Operations Manager and broader team in delivering a range of conservation land management programs, along with asset and infrastructure management across the property. The position also plays an important role in ensuring close collaboration between AWC’s Operations and Science teams as part of AWC’s national approach to conservation.

Working closely with the Operations Manager, the SLMO will coordinate and implement the day-to-day activities outlined in the Annual Works Plan, including supervising personnel involved in the operations program. Much of this work is undertaken alongside the Ngalurrtju Indigenous Ranger team, and the successful candidate will demonstrate strong cultural awareness and a genuine commitment to supporting the development of the Ranger group.

The role requires practical experience delivering conservation land management programs such as fire management, weed control and feral animal management. The SLMO will also contribute to a wide range of operational tasks, including maintaining assets and infrastructure across the property. As such, strong practical skills, broad trade knowledge, and the ability to operate a variety of plant and equipment are essential.

You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Pintubi/Luritja, Warlpiri and Anmatyerre Traditional Owners, land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders, Indigenous communities and government representatives. A commitment to collaboration and to advancing AWC’s conservation model will be key to success in this role.

Critical competencies:

1. Getting things done: you need exceptional planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner. 
2. Managing staff: you need excellent people management skills, including the leadership of, and managing and coordinating remote teams of Operational Staff, Volunteers and Contractors.
3. Working with people: excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
4. Practical land management and asset management or comparable skills/experience: You need to demonstrate knowledge and practical experience delivering land management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control programs or comparable experience that is readily transferable. Demonstrated practical skills managing assets and infrastructure is required including:
   • The implementation of infrastructure projects such as fencing, road maintenance and building.
   • The management and use of a wide range of plant and equipment (graders, tractors, generators, pumps and powertools, including chainsaws, welders etc.)
   • A broad knowledge of all trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
   • Bushfire control training and experience.
   • 4WD experience in relevant off-road conditions is essential.
5. Cultural awareness: knowledge and interest in Australian Indigenous culture and willingness to work in a cross-cultural workplace.
6. Financial management: demonstrated ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner and be able to code and track expenditure, operating within the budget.
7. Paperwork/compliance: demonstrated ability to maintain records and implement permit/authorization processes.
8. Resourcefulness: the ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
9. Living in the bush: You will need to have the ability to work in an isolated small team environment and have previous experience of working and living in a rural area, preferably remote.
10. Information technology: Ability in using standard business software packages (including Word, email, Excel) is essential.
11. A passion for conservation: Understanding of and interest in Australian (with a particular focus on the arid region of Australia) ecology and conservation issues.
12. Willingness to travel: Flexibility in regards to work place location within AWC central region.

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. Valid Australian National Criminal History Check (police check) or willingness to obtain one.
3. Medium Rigid drivers licence (desirable).
4. First aid certificate (essential), remote first aid (desirable)
5. Firearm licence (desirable).

PLEASE NOTE: This role is initially offered as a 12-month fixed term contract, with the possibility for an extension or permanency. The role is based in Alice Springs with regular trips to Ngalurrtju (2.5hr drive), where basic on-site accommodation is available.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Senior Land Management Officer | Ngalurrtju

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. Please note that the cost of the police check is the responsibility of the applicant.
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.