Spatial Ecologist

Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Australia; Remote; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is seeking a skilled GIS and Data Management professional to contribute to the National Science Team. The role blends ecology, spatial analysis and database management to support conservation decision-making, data quality, and scalable methodologies.

The position focuses on SQL databases, GIS systems, data collection, processing and automation to map ecological values, weeds, fire and native vegetation, with opportunities to contribute to Ecohealth

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, geospatial science or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in database management, spatial analysis and modelling, remote sensing or a related area is desirable; equivalent demonstrated professional experience may also meet this requirement.
• Experience with ecological, biodiversity, environmental or scientific datasets and GIS, data management, databases, remote sensing or spatial modelling for ecological monitoring or conservation decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, analyse and improve ecological and spatial datasets to support conservation decisions.

Skills

SQL & relational databases

Data integrity & QA

Data processing workflows

GIS & spatial data management

Ecological knowledge

Problem-solving & initiative

Planning & prioritisation

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science or geospatial science

Postgraduate qualification in database management, spatial analysis & modelling or remote sensing (desirable)

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Power BI (desirable)

Job description

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Guided by science, AWC delivers measurable conservation impacts at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species.

At AWC we are inspired by the unparalleled richness of Australia’s wildlife and we are united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. It is our mission to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats and our vision is for a world where Australia’s biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community.

The delivery of AWC’s mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other as a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders.

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

Reporting to the GIS and Data Management Team Lead (TL), the candidate will contribute to AWC’s GIS and Data Management Theme within the National Science Team. This position works at the intersection of ecology, spatial analysis and data management, applying GIS, database, data analysis and spatial modelling skills to maintain, analyse and improve organisational information and support conservation decision-making.
Key components of the position include providing support for AWC's SQL databases and organisation-wide GIS systems, maintaining and improving ecological and spatial datasets, and contributing to the development and improvement of spatial data collection, analysis, modelling and monitoring methodologies. The position will contribute to the development and application of efficient, repeatable and, where appropriate, automated approaches to the mapping and monitoring of ecological values and processes, including weeds, fire and native vegetation. In addition, the role will be expected to contribute to the broader tasks of the National Science program, as requested, related to the development and review of strategies to prioritise research, conservation land management and Ecohealth monitoring and evaluation. Duties may change over time, commensurate with AWC requirements, and the skills and expertise of the incumbent.
The candidate must be strongly motivated to make a substantial difference in nature conservation, contribute to the development of the private nature conservation sector, and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model.

• SQL and relational databases: Strong applied capability in SQL and relational database systems.
• Data integrity and quality assurance: Strong judgement in maintaining data accuracy, consistency, integrity and reproducibility.
• Data processing and workflow development: Ability to design and improve efficient, reproducible data processing and integration workflows.
• GIS and spatial data management: Strong applied GIS and spatial data management capability.
• Ecological knowledge: Strong applied knowledge of Australian ecology, biodiversity conservation and ecological data.
• Problem-solving, initiative and learning: Resourceful and systematic approach to solving technical problems, learning technologies and improving processes.
• Planning and prioritisation: Ability to manage competing demands and balance planned technical work with emerging support requirements.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including translating technical information for different audiences.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, geospatial science or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification in database management, spatial analysis and modelling, remote sensing or a related area is desirable; equivalent demonstrated professional experience may also meet this requirement.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training

• Legal right to work in Australia.
• Competence driving a 4WD in field conditions is required for field work. Relevant training may be provided or required.

Experience

• Demonstrated practical application of SQL and relational databases, including working with complex databases, writing and optimising queries, creating and maintaining views, manipulating and updating data, and troubleshooting database issues.
• A track record of maintaining data quality and integrity across complex datasets, including identifying and resolving data quality issues and undertaking safe and reliable data updates.
• Demonstrated development of efficient, reproducible data workflows for processing, transformation and integration, including the use of automation to improve existing processes.
• Practical application of QGIS and/or ArcGIS to create, maintain and analyse spatial data, resolve spatial data issues, and produce high-quality maps and other spatial outputs. \
• A background working with ecological, biodiversity, environmental or other complex scientific datasets, including the application of GIS, data management, databases, remote sensing or spatial modelling to ecological monitoring, conservation management or environmental decision-making.
• Familiarity with Australian taxonomic, biodiversity and/or threatened species data is desirable.
• Proficiency with data visualisation and reporting tools, preferably Power BI, is desirable.
• Demonstrated development of automated image classification, object or feature detection, change detection or predictive modelling workflows using remotely sensed data, including high-resolution and/or multispectral imagery, is highly regarded.

PLEASE NOTE

AWC manages properties across Australia, with offices in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Broome, Alice Springs, Buronga and Narrabri. Many AWC wildlife sanctuaries are in remote locations. The position may spend time on AWC properties, many of which are remote; however, the position is predominantly office-based. The position will be based at a location agreed with AWC.

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.

Please note:

• Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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