Rainforest Ecologist

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW); Shire of Christmas Island; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Parks Australia on Christmas Island is seeking a senior ecologist to lead the Forest Ecology team, overseeing field monitoring and data management for the CIMFR program and rehabilitation projects. You will supervise staff, refine monitoring, and collaborate with field operations to ensure robust ecological outcomes.

The role requires developing expertise in Christmas Island rainforest ecosystems, using GIS and drone imagery for landscape-scale assessments, and delivering evidence-based

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 protect the diversity of life in our oceans–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 .

• 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.