Bush Heritage Australia are seeking a Head of Region - South East to lead the South East team.

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 in Victoria preferred
• $147, 806 - $180, 651 plus 11.5% super
• Full time 1.0 FTE, 3 years fixed term contract

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 Head of Region holds key influence and responsibility for ensuring Bush Heritage’s people, plans, processes, systems, resources and relationships in South East Australia are strong, well-protected and positioned for ongoing development and growth in support of the organisation’s purpose and strategy.

The position manages a multidisciplinary team and is responsible for program outcomes and conservation impact across the South East. The position is responsible for driving accountability and performance across multiple areas of the business, covering land management, natural resource management (NRM), ecology, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships and engagement and community collaboration and partnerships. The position oversees strategic conservation projects and their effective integration into work plans in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team.

The position leads a strong safety culture across the South East.

The position will require frequent travel to regional and remote locations.

Download Position Description>>

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven commitment to nature conservation and alignment with Bush Heritage’s purpose and values.
• Highly developed leadership and team management skills, including experience coaching, supporting and developing geographically dispersed teams.
• Sound understanding of risk, safety, and compliance in remote and field-based operations.
• Proven ability to work at pace and under pressure, delivering high-quality work without compromising accuracy, particularly in environments where errors could result in reputational, cultural, or safety risk.
• Demonstrated strategic and operational planning experience, with the ability to deliver against regional conservation and business plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with a proven ability to work respectfully and effectively across diverse stakeholder groups, including Traditional Custodians, government, landholders, and regional communities.
• Strong knowledge and experience in NRM, ecology, or conservation land management, with a track record of delivering on-ground results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Full driver’s licence and significant 4WD/off-road driving experience.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including to remote areas and occasionally on weekends.

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.
• Melbourne office in docklands with state-of-the-art facilities and 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 Jo Axford (Head of Region - North) on [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Region South East 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!

Don't miss out! Apply now!

Applications close: 11:30pm AEST on the closing date