Wildlife Ecologist | Central North

Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Darwin; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year fixed-term contract

Darwin office with regular travel toNT

Job summary

Australian Wildlife Conservancy seeks a regional ecologist to lead the science program at Bullo River Station, guiding translocation research for the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren and overseeing fieldwork and monitoring.

You will design, analyse and report components of the reintroduction program, trap and translocate birds, monitor threats, and collaborate with Indigenous Rangers and partners across northern Australia.

Qualifications

• PhD in ecology or related discipline; equivalent proficiency considered.
• Experience in conservation, bird ecology and translocations highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, delivery and reporting of the science program at Bullo River Station.
• Contribute to Reintroduction Strategies and Translocation Proposals from sourcing to release and post-release research.
• Manage and mentor ecologists, interns and volunteers, including Indigenous Rangers and contractors.
• Collaborate with Operations on fire, feral animal and weed management strategies.
• Engage with Traditional Owners, Ranger groups, agencies and research partners.
• Disseminate science through reports, publications and presentations; support fundraising and communications.

Skills

Wildlife conservation commitment

Ecology & field research

Planning & organisational skills

Leadership & team building

Collaboration & stakeholder engagement

Scientific communication

Financial management & compliance

Resourcefulness

Travel & field work

Project management

Education

PhD in ecology or related discipline

Masters in related field (alternative)

Tools

A‑class bird banding authority

4WD driving competence

Job description

About AWC

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.

• 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 Regional Ecologist, Central North, you'll help lead AWC's science program in the region.

You’ll play a key role in delivering the translocation strategy for Bullo River Station, focusing on the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren. The role combines PhD-level science with substantial hands‑on fieldwork. You'll design, analyse and report on parts of the reintroduction program, and in the field you'll trap, band and translocate birds and carry out pre‑ and post‑release monitoring. You'll also monitor threats such as introduced ungulates, feral predators and weeds, and do other surveys across the region as needed. You may also support AWC's science program at other properties and partnership sites in the region, including managing and mentoring junior science staff.

We're looking for someone who is driven to make a real difference in conservation and keen to help grow and promote AWC's conservation model in the unique social and environmental setting of northern Australia.

• Lead the development, delivery and reporting of the science program at Bullo River Station
• Contribute to Reintroduction Strategies and Translocation Proposals, from sourcing animals through to release and post‑release research
• Manage and mentor ecologists, interns and volunteers, and support Indigenous Rangers and contractors
• Work closely with AWC Operations staff on fire, feral animal and weed management strategies
• Build strong relationships with Traditional Owners, Ranger groups, government agencies, recovery teams and research partners
• Share AWC's science through reports, scientific publications and presentations, and support fundraising and communications

Critical competencies

• A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.
• Advanced knowledge of the conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems including the nature and functioning of the Australian biota; major threats to native wildlife and their habitats; and how these threats can be mitigated. Ideally, you will have experience working with land managers to design applied conservation land management strategies along with significant experience with ecology and monitoring of passerine birds.
• Excellent ecological field and research skills including high level knowledge of the ecological literature; advanced knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods; strong skills in vertebrate ecology and sound skills in field ecology generally; advanced skills in statistical analysis of ecological data and the use of computer software packages relevant to the position.
• Getting things done: you need well‑developed planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a range of tasks in an effective manner.
• Leadership: you need strong leadership and team‑building skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a team of staff and volunteers working in remote areas.
• Collaboration: you need good relationship‑building and collaborative skills to perform your role as part of a team of conservation ecologists. You must be willing to contribute your expertise, and learn from the skills and ideas of your colleagues. You must be willing to engage with the experience and world‑view of a diverse range of stakeholders involved in conservation management including AWC Operations managers and other staff, AWC partners, Traditional Owners, external experts and regulators, and the broader community.
• Scientific communication skills: you will have a well‑developed capacity to write and review scientific reports and publications, compose funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
• Financial management, paperwork and compliance: you will have the ability to deliver projects in a cost‑effective manner and to manage financial resources, and to ensure contracted obligations are met, commensurate with the requirements of the position.
• Resourcefulness: you will have the ability to improvise and ‘problem‑solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
• Travel and time in the field: you must be willing to travel away from base and conduct field work to meet the requirements of the position.

Qualifications And Experience

• A PhD in ecology or a related discipline (in some cases, graduates lacking a PhD but with equivalent proficiency in applied conservation science as evidenced by a higher degree (e.g. Masters), combined with extensive relevant experience, may be suitable for appointment to this role).
• Experience working in conservation or a related field is well‑regarded, but not essential. Experience in bird ecology and/or translocations will be highly regarded.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training

• A valid manual driver’s license is essential. You will need to be competent in driving a 4WD in field conditions. Training in relevant competencies may be required.
• An A‑class bird banding authority will be highly regarded.
• A current first aid certificate.
• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (police check), or willingness to obtain.

PLEASE NOTE

This role is offered as an initial two‑year fixed‑term contract and will preferably be based in our Darwin office, with regular travel to sites in the Central North (NT) region.

• 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.