Ecotourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia (EA) is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. Our key program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program. Ecotourism Australia is acknowledged globally for our programs and our certification standard is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). We are the credible, national peak body for sustainable and nature-based tourism.

We are seeking an experienced sustainability professional to join our team as Sustainable Tourism Specialist. Our preferred candidate will be focused on delivering sustainability expertise, coaching and training to tourism operators, destinations and stakeholders through our globally recognised certification programs. We are looking for a person who wants to make a positive impact and inspire sustainable and responsible tourism, who aligns with our culture and values.

Role Specification

The Sustainable Tourism Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and operations (including business development, coaching, conversions, audits preparation, and reporting) of Ecotourism Australia’s key programs for businesses and destinations including the ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certification as well as the Strive 4 Sustainable Tourism Scorecard. This role reports to the Head of Sustainability and Business Operations and will work closely with our team of experienced sustainability and ecotourism specialists who deliver a variety of coaching, mentoring, training and support to businesses and destinations throughout their certification journey.

Key responsibilities

• Delivering coaching support to certification applicants and assisting with sustainability and technical questions
• Reviewing and assessing certification and scorecard applications against our global best practice criteria
• Liaising with independent third-party auditors to coordinate compliance audits for businesses and destinations and conducting compliance and referee checks pre-certification.
• Liaising with businesses to ensure ongoing compliance with certification standards and program requirements
• Delivering group coaching sessions and workshops (online and onsite) to industry and stakeholders.
• Identify business development opportunities to encourage program uptake as well as support from relevant stakeholder groups and agencies.
• Reporting and insights on program KPIs such as uptake, application numbers, compliance etc
• Support the Head of Sustainability with the ongoing program development and continuous improvement such as criteria and standard revisions.

The Sustainable Tourism Specialist may also be required to perform other ad hoc tasks, as required by the Chief Executive and Head of Sustainability and Business Operations.

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. A passion to inspire environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism, a demonstrated understanding of nature based, ecotourism and sustainable tourism and the ability to work with tourism businesses, industry stakeholders and partners, and our certified operators and destinations
2. Demonstrated experience in sustainability, ecotourism, environmental management (a minimum of 3 years)
3. Demonstrated experience and understanding of the tourism industry and relevant stakeholders
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively deliver coaching, mentoring and training to businesses and other stakeholders
5. Attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
6. Highly organised with the ability to manage a portfolio of projects/programs
7. Efficiency, good time management and an ability to manage multiple projects.
8. Tertiary qualifications in sustainability, ecotourism, environmental management or related fields
9. Must possess the right to work in Australia.

Preferred

1. An understanding of certification/accreditation and quality standards programs (ideally Ecotourism Australia’s), or the ability to quickly attain this knowledge
2. Strong understanding of sustainability topics and issues, particularly related to tourism and the environment.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

For any questions please call the Ecotourism Australia office on 07 3256 6777. 

A position description is attached.