~ Play a lead role in implementing AWC’s science program in the Ngalurrtju Partnership ~

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting threatened wildlife at 31 properties 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 Kati Thanda-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.

Currently, AWC manages five wildlife sanctuaries in central and south Australia that span over 1 million hectares: Newhaven in the Northern Territory, and Kalamurina, Buckaringa, Dakalanta and Yookamurra in South Australia. Additionally, AWC has partnered with local landholders and conservation groups in a project to protect threatened species on Kangaroo Island (SA). AWC is developing an exciting new partnership with Traditional Owners of the Ngalurrtju Aboriginal Land Trust , Northern Territory (formerly Mt Wedge Station). The partnership project aims to deliver effective conservation by applying AWC’s approach to conservation alongside strong engagement with Traditional Owners in planning and through direct employment of Indigenous Rangers. Ngalurrtju is adjacent to AWC’s Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of Alice Springs.

AWC is seeking a highly motivated Wildlife Ecologist to lead the implementation of our conservation science program in the Ngalurrtju partnership. The position involves the design, implementation, interpretation and communication of the results of ecological surveys, monitoring and research, in partnership with Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups. The successful candidate will require a PhD in ecology or a related field (or a higher degree and extensive (decades) equivalent experience), a demonstrated capacity to work with Indigenous people, a demonstrated capacity to lead small teams in remote areas, and substantial ecological experience in the Australian arid zone.

The Wildlife Ecologist will join AWC’s team of ecologists responsible for implementing our science program in central and south Australia.

Key duties of the position include:

• Contributing to the development, implementation and reporting of AWC’s science program on Ngalurrtju: major tasks include inventory surveys, ecological monitoring, applied research to address major knowledge gaps in conservation, and (where relevant) the reintroduction of locally-extinct species.
• As delegated by the Regional Ecologist CSA, assisting more broadly with the science program in the CSA region.

• Working in an integrated way with Indigenous partners including Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups, as well as the Ngalurrtju Operations Manager and other AWC operations staff, to design and implement conservation and land management strategies on Ngalurrtju.
• Working effectively with key stakeholders in the local community, government agencies, recovery teams and other conservation entities in relation to the Ngalurrtju partnership.

• Communicating AWC’s science program to our partners, the scientific community and to the public through publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.

• Assisting with AWC’s education, communication and fundraising activities.

The position will be based at AWC’s office in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. At least initially, it is envisaged the position will be a part-time (0.6 FTE) role. The position involves both work in town and extended periods in the bush at Ngalurrtju.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in the design and implementation of a AWC’s science program in an important Indigenous partnership and to make a strong contribution to our nationally-significant applied ecology program.

Enquiries only:

Helen Crisp - Regional Ecologist, Central and South Australia | [email protected], using the subject line: Wildlife Ecologist - Ngalurrtju Partnership enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To submit an application, visit our careers page via the Apply Now button, select the relevant job vacancy, click ‘APPLY’ and follow the prompts.

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description on our website or attached. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be accepted.

Please note:

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place that allows ongoing full-time work in Australia, in order to apply for this position. Sponsorship is not available.
2. 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.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

To learn more about AWC’s sanctuaries, please visit our website www.australianwildlife.org/sanctuaries.

Position Description - Wildlife Ecologist (Ngalurrtju)