Job Summary
- Applications close:
- Job posted on: 7th Apr 2024
- Sydney > Orchard Hills
AWC is looking to employ two Wildlife Ecologists on 6 month contracts to lead development of reintroduction strategies for projects at Orchard Hills (Sydney, New South Wales) and Bullo River Station (Northern Territory).
This is a rare opportunity to develop skills and experience in reintroduction planning.
You will be working with - and supported by - AWC senior ecologists with high-level expertise in reintroductions, designing from first principles a multi-species reintroduction project.
AWC is a national leader in the reintroduction of threatened mammals to parts of their former range: at present, AWC manages reintroduced populations of 23 locally-extinct mammal species at 12 sites, including 11 feral predator-free ‘safe havens’. AWC’s reintroduction program is unpinned by robust conservation science, encompassing the ecology, behaviour and genetics of reintroduced species, and an understanding of the impacts of climate change.
The Orchard Hills project involves restoration of an area of Cumberland Plain woodland in western Sydney. AWC’s role, initially, is to develop a strategy for the reintroduction of locally-extinct species to a c. 400 ha fenced area on the property.
The Bullo River project has the potential to be the first large-scale multi-species ‘rewilding’ project in northern Australia. AWC has worked with the owner of this iconic 164,000 ha property since 2016 to implement a conservation program that complements the existing pastoral and tourism enterprise.
Each successful candidate will lead the development of reintroduction strategies for one of the projects: identifying a suite of locally-extinct species of vertebrate fauna that can feasibly be reintroduced to the property, identifying optimal source locations for those species considering genetics and logistics, considering the need for captive breeding and/ or specific release strategies, attributing costs to likely scenarios, and developing a schedule for reintroductions.
In developing the reintroduction strategies, the positions will:
The successful candidates will work remotely from home or from one of AWC’s offices, as agreed. Field visits will be arranged to the relevant property or properties.
To view the detailed position description for this role, please see the supporting attachment.
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 wildlife and their habitats across 6.8 M ha and seek to influence conservation outcomes on a further 6.1 M ha of pastoral partnerships. In delivering our mission, we partner with other environmental NGOs, government agencies, Indigenous groups and individuals.
AWC's mission - to deliver effective conservation for all native animal species and their habitats - is achieved by:
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.
To enquire about technical aspects of the role, contact Dr Jen Anson, Senior Ecologist (Reintroductions): [email protected] using the subject line: Wildlife Ecologists x2 - Reintroductions - NSW / NT enquiry via EthicalJobs.
For general enquiries: [email protected].
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.
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.
A position description is attached.