Bush Heritage Australia are seeking an Executive Manager Science and Conservation.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Location is flexible
• Executive salary, plus super
• Full Time 1.0 FTE (Fixed Term - 4 years)

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

The Executive Manager Science and Conservation will be a leader in Science and Conservation with an established record of achievement in research and applied management aimed at conserving species, ecosystems, and landscapes. They will foster relationships—externally and internally—to develop a science-based conservation program that supports Bush Heritage’s conservation goals, implements best practice and innovative conservation strategies and enables effective reporting of outcomes on Bush Heritage managed land.

Operating within a matrix organisational context, the Executive Manager will lead science, planning and digital systems professionals located across Australia. As a member of the organisation’s senior leadership team, they will play a major role in guiding and implementing Bush Heritage’s strategic plan. The role requires an individual with strategic and organisational leadership skills, underpinned by emotional intelligence to oversee and manage staff in diverse fields ranging from research, biodiversity and resource management to partnerships, financial planning, and business management.

The Executive Manager will ensure Bush Heritage achieves, demonstrates and communicates excellence in conservation management, underpinned by robust science, to achieve its conservation impact. As a key representative, they will maintain a high professional public and scientific profile and ensure cultural capability and appropriate engagement with Traditional Custodians from themselves, staff, students, contractors and volunteers under their remit.

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What you'll need to succeed

• At least 10 years’ professional experience in conservation science or natural resource management, with roles requiring leadership, budgeting, and program outcomes.
• Experience in research, policy development, program management, and strategic planning and implementation. Familiarity with environmental management systems supporting data and decision-making
• Superior communication skills, including the ability to write for diverse audiences and present effectively.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of setting objectives, assessing performance, and inspiring high achievement.
• Experience managing regional and remote operations and engaging staff across diverse geographies, abilities and characters profiles.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including staff, academics, supporters, government representatives, and Aboriginal people and organisations.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with Aboriginal people and organisations in conservation planning and implementation.
• Full driver’s license and willingness to travel interstate and to remote locations.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements with hybrid working.

• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.

• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.

• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.

• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.

• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids and additional annual leave.

• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.

• Brand new Melbourne office in Docklands with access to state-of-the-art end of trip facilities and a gym.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below. You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria. In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Michelle Jacobs (Executive Manager People, Safety and Culture) on [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Manager Science and Conservation - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged.

Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements.

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!

We will be conducting interviews as we receive applications. Don't miss out! Apply now!

A position description is attached.