Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife at 31 sanctuaries in which we own or manage in partnership, covering a total of more than 6.5 million hectares in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Lake Eyre. With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation. 

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 to management. 
• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of AWC conservation programs. 

AWC has been contracted by the NSW Government to reintroduce up to 10 species of threatened mammals into two NSW protected areas- Mallee Cliffs National Park in the south-west NSW, and part of the Pilliga forest in north-central NSW. 

At Mallee Cliffs AWC has constructed the largest feral predator-free fenced area on mainland Australia (9,500 Ha), into which locally-extinct mammal species will be reintroduced. The reintroduction program commenced in 2019 with the release of the Greater Bilby and a further 7 species are scheduled for release in 2021. AWC is also responsible for delivering conservation management and an associated science program including long-term ecological monitoring and research across the Park. In NSW, AWC also runs a reintroduction program at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary, near Wentworth, a conservation science program at North Head, Sydney and post-fire recovery projects along the Great Dividing Range. This position may be required to assist with delivery of the regional program and elsewhere across AWC as required. 

AWC is seeking an experienced Senior Land Management Officer (SLMO) to support the Mallee Cliffs Operations Manager and other staff within the NSW region in a range of conservation land management, and operational programs. The SLMO acts as 2IC to the Operations Manager to assist in the direction and supervision of other land management staff (Land Management Officers, Feral Animal Control Officers and volunteers) as well as various contractors engaged to complete the land management programs. They will also be responsible for ensuring tight integration between AWC’s Operations and Science teams where teams are expected to work together to design, implement and measure the effectiveness of land management strategies as part of the national AWC approach to conservation. 

The successful candidate will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of land management programs for conservation including fire management, weed and feral animal control. 

The role of the SLMO extends to a broad range of tasks including asset and infrastructure maintenance. As such, a broad knowledge of all trades, practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment is essential. 

Senior Land Management Officer (Mallee Cliffs) 2021 

You will need to be capable of working with a wide range of people including land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders including indigenous communities, government officials, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation. 

The SLMO may also be required to assist at other Sanctuaries and NP’s from time to time, particularly Pilliga NP. The Pilliga and Mallee Cliffs properties span a vast array of habitats, terrain and geography. Each property has its own unique requirements for the management of fire, weeds and feral animal control, asset and infrastructure development, and the restoration of ecosystems and the management of visitors. 

This role is initially based in Mildura, VIC. Construction of accommodation will be undertaken on the Mallee Cliffs site. Until such time this is completed, the Senior Land Management Officer will live at home (Mildura), and travel to site (Mallee Cliffs). 

This a unique opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia. 

Bruce Summerfield - Operations Manager, Mallee Cliffs [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Land Management Officer, Mallee Cliffs - Mildura enquiry via EthicalJobs | Enquiries only: 0400 227 878 

To submit an application, click on Apply Now to visit our careers page, select the relevant job vacancy, click ‘APPLY’ and complete an application form. 

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description on our website or the attachment. 

Position Description - Senior Land Management Officer (Mallee Cliffs) 2021