Join Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC): Protect Australia’s Unique Wildlife!

Are you passionate about conservation and making a real difference for Australia’s endangered wildlife? Our operations team in the Pilliga Wildlife National Parks location is looking to fill two roles!

About AWC

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a global leader in conservation, providing hope for Australia’s wildlife with a science-informed, land management partnership approach which delivers high impact results. We protect endangered wildlife in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. 

AWC’s mission - to deliver effective conservation for all native animal species and their habitats - is achieved by: 

• Operations - delivering effective large-scale land management including fire management, feral animal control, weed control and infrastructure management. 
• Science - delivering a nationally-coherent program of ecological surveys with a focus on monitoring key conservation assets and threats, conducting applied research relevant to wildlife conservation, implementing conservation programs including reintroductions, and providing advice on land management.  
• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of AWC conservation programs.   

OneAWC is defined as ‘a cohesive, engaged, collaborative, high performing group guided by strong, effective leaders. A group of people who all understand AWC’s mission, vision and their role in contributing to the achievement of mission and vision, all connected and working towards a common purpose, guided by a set of shared values’. The delivery of AWC’s mission is highly reliant on all AWC working collaboratively with each other.

About the Region

Four of AWC’s properties – Pilliga, Scotia, Mallee Cliffs and Waulinbahk are in southeastern (SE) Australia, which protect a diversity of threatened species and habitats.

The southeast region has approx. 20 permanent staff, several interns and research students, and engages a range of casual staff and volunteers. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the individual Operations/Sanctuary Managers and science programs by the Regional Ecologist (SE).

About the Role

Reporting to the Pilliga Operations Manager, the LMO will be a very practical person with a passion for saving Australia’s wildlife and landscape and will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of land management programs for conservation including weed and feral animal control. You will need to be well-organised and have experience in the use of a wide array of plant, equipment and tools.

The LMO will also liaise with all southeast staff (operations and science) in order to fulfil the duties required of this role, a key component of which is the facilitation and coordination of efficient operations. Within AWC, the Operations and Science teams work in an integrated manner to design and deliver conservation and land management and to measure and report on ecological health as part of the national AWC approach to conservation. The position will be expected to build and maintain professional working relationships with the other science staff in the region. The LMO will be capable of coordinating multiple projects and work with a range of stakeholders including scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders including indigenous communities and government, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• A broad knowledge of all trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
• Demonstrated practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance including skills relevant to:
• • Implementation of an asset and infrastructure maintenance program (building, fencing, roads etc.).
  • Ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment including carrying out routine mechanical repairs to:
    • 4WD’s, ATVs, tractors etc.
    • Generators, pumps etc.
    • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
  • General infrastructure projects including construction, fencing and building.
• Knowledge of practical land management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control.
• Understanding of and interest in Australian (with a particular focus on the southern Australia) ecology and conservation issues.
• Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques including animal trapping, handling and monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
• Ability to problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a small team or independently without supervision.
• Willingness to be flexible with their work hours outside of standard working hours, with potential periods away from home.
• Willingness to undergo training and be flexible with training schedules.
• Basic computer skills including Word, Excel and email
• Experience working and living in a semi-rural/remote area.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Relevant trade/ TAFE qualification (desirable).
2. Practical experience in delivering ‘on-ground’ results is more important than formal qualifications.
3. Practical experience with fire management, or willingness to undertake training

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

1. A valid manual drivers license with 4WD experience in difficult conditions is essential
2. First aid certificate (desirable).
3. Firearm Licence (desirable or willing to obtain for the senior role)

Inherent requirements of the role: The working environment will be predominantly outdoors and often in the extremes of weather – hot, wet, and/or dry- especially when conducting weed, fire and land management operations. The position is physically demanding, requiring heavy muscular activity including lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling loads, bending, climbing and driving a variety of vehicles, the successful applicant must be physically and mentally capable of performing these activities in order to carry out the inherent role responsibilities.

• PLEASE NOTE: We are looking for two roles, one for a senior land management officer and a land management officer. The roles are set to start in January 2025.

Join our Journey

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.

For Initial enquiries: [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Land Management Officer / Land Management Officer - Pilliga enquiry via EthicalJobs

APPLICATIONS

To submit an application, click ‘Apply Now’ and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
2. Applicants will under go relevant pre-employment checks, which may include an online medical and a values-based assessment.
3. 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.
4. 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, your 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.