Wildlife Ecologist | Mornington

Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Australia; Remote; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is seeking a Wildlife Ecologist to lead the development, implementation, and reporting of its science program across Mornington, Marion Downs and Tableland. The role combines high‑level research with substantial field work and mentoring of junior staff, and requires a PhD or equivalent in ecology.

You will collaborate with Indigenous groups, partners and government agencies, contribute to fundraising efforts, and communicate findings through publications,

Qualifications

• PhD in ecology or equivalent experience.
• Strong publication and reporting ability.
• Experience in conservation science fieldwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and reporting of the science program.
• Design and report on conservation science across properties.
• Mentor junior science staff in remote areas.
• Engage with Indigenous groups, partners, government agencies, and communities.
• Communicate program findings to scientific community and public.
• Assist with fundraising activities.

Skills

Wildlife ecology

Field research

Leadership

Collaboration

Scientific communication

Project management

Field work

Education

PhD in ecology

Masters with extensive experience

Tools

R programming

GIS

Statistics

4WD driving

Job description

Location: Mornington or Broome (by negotiation)

Job Category: Science

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.

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 Regional Ecologist, NW Region, the Wildlife Ecologist will contribute to the leadership of AWC's science program in the region.

The Wildlife Ecologist will be responsible for the implementation of AWC's science program at one or more AWC properties and partnership sites in the region, including managing and mentoring junior science staff on properties within their remit. The role has significant intellectual component, related to the design, analysis and reporting of elements of the science program, commensurate with the professional skills acquired in a PhD or equivalent. The role also has a substantial field work component.

The Wildlife Ecologist 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, with particular application to the social and environmental context of the region .

Key duties of the position:

• Lead the development, implementation and reporting of the science program at Mornington, Marion Downs and Tableland, and potentially other AWC properties and partnership sites in the region, as delegated by the Regional Ecologist.
• Provide expert input to the design and reporting of AWC's science program at AWC properties and partnership sites in the region, as delegated by the Regional Ecologist.
• Work in an integrated way with AWC Operations staff to design and, as relevant, implement and report on conservation and land management strategies at Mornington, Marion Downs and Tableland, and potentially other AWC properties and partnership sites in the region, as delegated by the Regional Ecologist.
• Work effectively with key stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, AWC partners, government agencies, recovery teams, the conservation sector and local communities, to develop AWC's conservation science program at Mornington, Marion Downs and Tableland, and potentially other AWC properties and partnership sites in the region, as delegated by the Regional Ecologist.
• Communicate AWC's science program to stakeholders, the scientific community and the public through scientific publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
• Assist with AWC's fundraising activities.
• 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.
• 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 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:

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.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

A valid manual driver's licence is essential. You will need to be competent in driving a 4WD in field conditions. Training in relevant competencies may be required.

PLEASE NOTE

This role can be either based on site at Mornington or based from Broome.

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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