Rainforest Ecologist

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Christmas Island; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Parks Australia within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking a Lead Forest Ecology specialist for Christmas Island. You will lead the Forest Ecology team, manage the CIMFR biophysical monitoring program, and establish monitoring plots across rehabilitation sites.

Using GIS, remote sensing and drone imagery, you will analyse data, provide evidence-based recommendations, train staff and collaborate with field operations, aiming to protect endemic flora and

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, botany, environmental science or related field.
• Experience leading ecology or biodiversity monitoring projects.
• Strong data management and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Forest Ecology team, including work planning and safety.
• Deliver and improve the CIMFR biophysical monitoring program.
• Establish monitoring plots and transects across rehabilitation sites.
• Monitor vegetation growth, species composition and soil condition.
• Collect, manage and maintain high-quality ecological data using GIS and field systems.
• Analyse results and provide technical reports and management advice.
• Provide recommendations to improve rehabilitation methods and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Nursery Operations and Field Operations for planting and weed control.
• Design field trials and applied ecological research for knowledge gaps.
• Develop expertise in Christmas Island rainforest ecosystems.

Skills

Leadership

Forest ecology

GIS

Data management

Field safety

Monitoring

Team training

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in ecology or related field

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing tools

Drone imagery hardware

Job description

Australia's natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Australia has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world. Marine parks-from astonishing coral reefs in our tropical seas to deep ocean canyons and undersea mountains in temperate marine regions. This branch oversees the ongoing management of each of the six Marine Park Networks, Policy and Programs Coordination, Science and Management Effectiveness and Authorisations and Compliance.

The Christmas Island National Park is part of the Marine and Island Parks Branch of Parks Australia. It manages Christmas Island National Park and its natural and cultural values on behalf of the Australian Government. The Park's work covers threatened species recovery, invasive species management (including biological control programs), biosecurity risk, visitor services and park infrastructure, and community engagement. The Christmas Island National Park also delivers the Christmas Island Minesite to Forest Rehabilitation (CIMFR) Program, which rehabilitates mined land on Christmas Island. The Park is a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of rangers, scientists, technical and operational staff. It works closely with the local community, research partners and other government agencies to protect one of Australia's most distinctive island ecosystems.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job

• Lead and supervise the Forest Ecology team, including work planning, performance management, staff development and field safety.
• Deliver and continuously improve the CIMFR biophysical monitoring program.
• Establish and maintain monitoring plots and transects across rehabilitation and reference rainforest sites.
• Monitor vegetation growth, species composition, canopy development, natural regeneration, weed presence and soil condition.
• Collect, manage and maintain high-quality ecological data using GIS, databases and field data systems.
• Analyse monitoring results and produce technical reports, presentations and management advice.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve rehabilitation methods, ecological outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
• Work with Nursery Operations on species selection, seed collection priorities and propagation of endemic, rare and threatened plants.
• Work with Field Operations to optimise planting design, site preparation, weed control and maintenance activities.
• Design and lead field trials and applied ecological research to address knowledge gaps.
• Develop specialist expertise in Christmas Island rainforest ecosystems, including endemic, rare and threatened flora.
• Use GIS, remote sensing and drone imagery to assess rehabilitation progress at a landscape scale.
• Provide ecological advice on landform design, earthworks planning and site prioritisation.
• Monitor and advise on weed and invasive species management.
• Contribute to program reporting, performance measures and senior management briefings.
• Build ecological capability across the team through training in monitoring, plant identification and data collection.
• Communicate scientific findings to staff, researchers, community members and visitors.
• Promote and model safe work practices in challenging field environments.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with a diverse workforce, community and stakeholders in line with APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Mandatory qualifications

• A tertiary qualification (bachelor's degree or higher) in ecology, botany, environmental science, natural resource management or a closely related field.