Wildlife Ecologists (Kimberley region)

Help deliver effective conservation in the Kimberley

Australian  Wildlife  Conservancy  (AWC)  is  the  largest  private  (non-profit)  owner  of  land  for conservation  in  Australia,  protecting  endangered  wildlife at  30  sanctuaries in which  we  own  or manage in partnership, covering a total of more than 6.5 million hectares in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.   With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation.

Of the 30 sanctuaries and partnership areas, AWC protects wildlife and their habitats across 7 properties and partnerships in the Kimberley, covering 4.3 million hectares. AWC’s wildlife sanctuaries, and properties in partnership with government and with Indigenous groups, include Mornington-Marion Downs and Charnley River - Artesian Range; partnership sites are Yampi Sound Training Area, under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Defence; and Tableland, Dambimangari and Wilinggin Country, in partnership with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups.

Reporting to the Regional Ecologist – North-west, the Wildlife Ecologist will be part of a team of ecologists responsible for implementing AWC’s science program in the Kimberley, WA. Key duties of the position include:

• Designing and conducting inventory and monitoring surveys.
• Undertaking, or collaborating in, research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by AWC’s scale and our integration of science and land management.
• Managing a small team of AWC ecologists, interns and volunteers in the field to implement AWC’s science program.
• Working with AWC land managers to deliver effective conservation. As part of AWC’s approach to conservation, the science team helps design, implement (as required) and report on strategies for the effective management of fire, feral animals, weeds and other threats
• Working with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups as required to scope, plan and implement surveys
• Communicating AWC’s science program to our partners, Traditional Owners, the scientific community and to the public through publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
• Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities.

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD in ecology and relevant experience (AWC will consider appointment at the Senior Field Ecologist level for suitable candidates with a postgraduate degree and extensive experience)
• ideally, a track record in conservation ecology
• leadership, team-building and communication skills
• the capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders including other scientists, land managers, Indigenous groups, neighbours, government agencies and volunteers
• an ability to get jobs done on time and within budget, and
• capacity to live and work in a remote area.

There are two (2) Wildlife Ecologist positions available. Both roles will require frequent travel to other AWC sanctuaries and/or partnership areas in the Kimberley. The job requires extended periods in the field and a balance of office work.

1. Wildlife Ecologist (CRAR) based at Charnley River-Artesian Range;
2. Wildlife Ecologist (YSTA) based in Broome or Derby, with frequent travel to Yampi Sound Training Area; and expectation to relocate to CRAR at the end of 2022 when onsite accommodation is available.

AWC is a leading employer of conservation ecologists. Our mission is the effective conservation of Australia’s wildlife and their habitats. In our work, we are guided by a suite of values including being accountable, informed, respectful, dedicated, innovative and sustainable.

Detailed position descriptions have been uploaded on our careers page. 

Enquiries:

Dr Skye Cameron, Regional Ecologist - North west | Skye.Cameron@australianwildlife.org | 0409 342 918 

Fiona Tran, HR Advisor | fiona.tran@australianwildlife.org | 08 9380 9633  

Applications via: www.australianwildlife.org/work-with-awc/careers/

To submit an application, visit our careers page (linked above), click 'APPLY' and follow the prompts. 

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description on our website or the attachment.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 24 January 2021

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place that allows ongoing full-time work in Australia, in order to apply for this position. Sponsorship is not available.
2. 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.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise