About AWC:

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and securing the future of Australia’s most endangered wildlife through science led, measurable impact at scale. Inspired by the richness of Australia’s biodiversity, we are united by a shared commitment to protect its unique animals and habitats.

Delivering this mission depends on OneAWC: a cohesive, engaged and high performing organisation, guided by strong leadership and shared values. Every role at AWC contributes to our mission and works collaboratively towards shared conservation, safety and organisational outcomes.

AWC’s work is guided by the following values. In pursuing our mission, 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:

Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary is currently recruiting for several positions, including Sanctuary Manager, Land Management Officer and Facilities Maintenance Officer.

AWC's Central region spans almost two million hectares across ten sanctuaries and partnership sites in the Northern Territory and South Australia, protecting a rich diversity of threatened species and habitats. Each property brings its own challenges, from fire and invasive species management to ecosystem restoration and visitor management, with more sites potentially to come as part of AWC's ambitious 10-year strategy.

The Central region is made up of a team of permanent staff, several interns and research students, and draws on a range of casual staff and volunteers. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the Operations/Sanctuary Managers, while science programs are led by the Regional Ecologist. The operations and science streams work together to design, implement and measure the effectiveness of land management strategies.

Covering 262,000 hectares, Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia's largest non-government protected areas and a recognised hotspot for Central Australian wildlife. Dramatic quartzite mountains overlook extensive parallel sand dunes, spinifex grasslands, shimmering salt lakes and mulga woodlands, creating a diverse landscape that supports an extraordinary range of native species.

To help protect and restore this unique wildlife, AWC is delivering a conservation project of global significance: the establishment of a large-scale feral cat-free area. Currently spanning 9,400 hectares, with future stages planned to expand to up to 100,000 hectares, the project is among the largest feral cat eradication efforts ever undertaken. It provides a secure refuge for at least 10 nationally threatened mammal species, including the Mala (currently extinct in the wild), Central Rock-Rat and Golden Bandicoot, helping to restore wild populations at a landscape scale.

The Land Management Officer (LMO) is responsible for the delivery of land management programs for conservation including fire management, weed and feral animal control. The role of the LMO extends to a broad range of tasks including asset and infrastructure maintenance. As such, a broad knowledge of all trades, practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment is essential.

Critical competencies:

1. A broad knowledge of all trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
2. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance including skills relevant to:
   • Implementation of an asset and infrastructure maintenance program (building, fencing, roads etc.).
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment including carrying out routine mechanical repairs to:
     • 4WD’s, ATVs, tractors etc.
     • Generators, pumps etc. – any experience with desalination plants would be highly regarded.
     • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
   • General infrastructure projects including construction, fencing and building.
3. Knowledge of practical land management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control.
4. Understanding of and interest in Australian (with a particular focus on the southern Australia) ecology and conservation issues.
5. Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques including animal trapping, handling and monitoring.
6. Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
7. Ability to problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
8. Willingness and ability to work as part of a small team or independently without supervision.
9. Demonstrated competence in using standard business software packages, including Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as other systems and applications.
10. Experience working and living in a semi-rural/remote area

Qualifications:

Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, but is 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 commencement.
2.  Medium Rigid drivers licence (desirable).
3. First aid certificate (desirable).
4. Firearms licence (desirable)
5. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, or willingness to obtain

PLEASE NOTE: These roles are based at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 4.5 hours north-west of Alice Springs. Basic on-site accommodation is provided, and there are currently several opportunities available, including Sanctuary Manager, Land Management Officer and Facilities Maintenance Officer. The Sanctuary Manager role includes access to a three-bedroom house on site, making it an ideal opportunity for two people who know each other and are comfortable sharing accommodation.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: 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. 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.