Conservation Officer – Recovery Pool

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

4 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Staff discounts

National Park Entry Pass

Learning and development

Free staff parking

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) seeks professionals to contribute to the recovery of WA’s threatened species and ecological communities. The Conservation Officer - Recovery develops and implements recovery planning, conservation programs and policy advice.

You will work with scientific information to inform decisions, identify knowledge gaps, and support evidence-based conservation actions while aligning with leadership expectations and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in biodiversity conservation related to threatened species and land management (ESSENTIAL).
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and convey scientific concepts for conservation outcomes.
• Ability to source, analyse and apply scientific information and biodiversity data for recovery planning and management decisions.
• Experience in preparing reports, briefings and technical documentation, with project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement recovery planning and conservation programs.
• Provide policy advice and scientific expertise to inform recovery actions.
• Support assessment of conservation status and prioritisation using up-to-date data.
• Assist in knowledge-gap identification and development of recovery actions.

Skills

Biodiversity conservation

Threatened species

Stakeholder communication

Scientific data analysis

Project management

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS RECRUITMENT POOL WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS

THIS POOL WILL BE USED TO FILL VACANCIES IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POOL CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2026

Job Description

The Species and Communities Program coordinates the listing, management and recovery of threatened species and ecological communities. The program provides policy, strategic and technical advice on fauna, flora, ecological community and Ramsar wetland conservation.

We are currently seeking to establish a pool of suitable applicants for the role of Conservation Officer-Recovery.

At a professional level (SC1) or experienced professional level (SC2): The Conservation Officer - Recovery contributes to the conservation and recovery of Western Australia's threatened species and ecological communities through the development and implementation of recovery planning, conservation programs and policy advice. The position plays an important role in supporting evidence-based conservation outcomes by providing scientific and technical expertise to inform recovery actions, conservation prioritisation and management responses. The position contributes to the identification of knowledge gaps, development of recovery actions and assessment of conservation status, helping ensure threatened species and ecological communities are managed using contemporary scientific information and best-practice conservation approaches.

At DBCA, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following four (4) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

• Demonstrated experience (SCL1) or sound practical experience (SCL2) in biodiversity conservation related to threatened species and land management (ESSENTIAL), including knowledge of and experience in the application of legislation and policy (DESIRABLE).
• Demonstrated ability (SCL1) or well-developed ability (SCL2) to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including the ability to effectively convey scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders and contribute to positive conservation outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability (SCL1) or well-developed ability (SCL2) to source, analyse and apply scientific information and biodiversity data to support recovery planning, conservation programs and management decision-making.
• Experience in preparing reports, briefings and technical documentation, together with demonstrated (SCL1) or well-developed (SCL2) project management skills to support delivery of conservation initiatives and program outcomes.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits Of Working With Us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

Eligibility

Appointments may be made from this process within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent, contract or casual, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Agency Referrals

Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at [e-mail] during the advertising period.

For further job-related information

contact Ruth Harvey on 0438 977 476 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail]. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.