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 to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and their habitats, and to our vision for a world where Australia’s biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community. Together, we work collaboratively towards shared conservation, safety and organisational outcomes

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:

Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary links two regionally significant National Parks, Walyunga National Park and Avon Valley National Park, to create a combined protected area of approximately 19,500 hectares. Working across this important wildlife corridor in the Avon Valley, the Feral Animal Control/Land Management Officer helps protect threatened species including the Chuditch, Woylie and Carnaby's Black Cockatoo.

Supported by the Paruna Sanctuary Manager and the Land Management Officer, you will implement feral animal control programs targeting cats, foxes, goats, pigs and rabbits, both inside the sanctuary and across surrounding buffer zones, and contribute to the monitoring that shapes how those programs evolve over time.

This is a broad role with plenty of variety across the sanctuary. You will help deliver Paruna's land management programs across weed control and fire management, working in line with our developed strategies and, in many cases, collaborating with neighbours to build coordinated regional programs. You will implement infrastructure and asset repairs and maintenance in line with the Annual Workplan and approved maintenance and capital budgets, and supervise casual staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors, including their safety inductions. Health, safety and environment planning, management and reporting under AWC's Safety Management Plan is a core part of the role. You will also support visitor engagement, from public and AWC-organised walks through to supporter events, and work closely with AWC ecologists to keep our Operations and Science teams genuinely well integrated.

The role is based at Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gidgegannup, around an hour from Perth. On-site accommodation is not available for this position, so the successful candidate will need to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the sanctuary. The role involves extensive fieldwork in a rural, semi-remote setting and is physically demanding, with most work carried out outdoors.

Critical competencies:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and practical skills in hands-on practical implementation of land management programs for conservation outcomes including feral control, fire management and weed control programs.
2. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to the management of assets and infrastructure including:
   • Implementation of infrastructure projects such as fencing and building.
   • Implementation of an asset maintenance program.
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant (e.g. tractors, 4WD’s, generators, chainsaws etc.) and equipment, including performing routine repairs, including mechanical and maintenance.
3. Self-starter capable of working alone or equally able to lead and work as part of a team with demonstrated supervisory experience.
4. Exceptional demonstrated planning and organisational skills, including the ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
5. Excellent demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
6. A demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources, at the level relevant to this position including:
   • Operating within an agreed budget and operational plan for the sanctuary.
   • Coding and tracking expenditure and preparing written operational reports.
   • Managing operational task requirements.
7. Competence in using standard business software packages including Word, Excel, Teams, Microsoft Office and 365, is essential. Ability to use GIS programs such as ArcGIS.
8. Previous experience of, and ability to work in remote areas and a willingness to spend extended periods in the field.
9. The ability to improvise and problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
10. Experience and interest in nature conservation!

Qualifications:

1. Relevant trade/ TAFE and/or Conservation focused Diploma / Degree qualifications (desirable).
2. Practical and demonstrated experience in delivering ‘on ground’ pest animal and weed control activities 

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

1. A valid manual driver’s licence with 4WD experience in arid/difficult conditions is essential.
2. Experience operating agricultural machinery such as trucks and tractors and relevant licenses (highly desirable).
3. Firearms experience and licence.
4. Senior first aid certificate (remote certification – highly desirable).
5. Chainsaw use certificates of training and experience (desirable).
6. Bushfire control training and experience (desirable).
7. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, or willingness to obtain.

PLEASE NOTE: The salary package offered is $75,000 to $78,000 inclusive of superannuation. In addition, this role is eligible for additional leave benefits such as birthday leave and 5 weeks of annual leave.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Feral Animal Control/Land Management Officer | Paruna

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.