About the Role

The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is looking for an ecologist to join our Land & Sea Management Team for a 12-month contract covering a Maternity Leave.

Based in Broome, the Ecologist will work with Indigenous ranger groups in the Kimberley to deliver ecology targets established from Healthy Country Plans. The Ecologist will co-design and deliver ecology projects that combine traditional knowledge and contemporary practices, with a particular focus on threatened and culturally important species. The role will be responsible for strategic project design and desktop work, as well as on ground delivery e.g. field surveys in the remote Kimberley.

The Ecologist will work collaboratively to build capacity and empower Indigenous ranger groups to manage their own projects, interpret and use data, and apply adaptive management. They will also facilitate and coordinate knowledge sharing between ranger groups to improve regional ecological outcomes.

This role sits within the Land & Sea Management Unit, and reports to the Ranger Capacity and Development Program Manager. The Ecologist will also need to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with a number of stakeholders including Indigenous corporations, environmental non-government organisations, government, industry and scientific groups.

Location

This position will operate out of the KLC Broome office and requires extensive travel and physically demanding remote fieldwork across the Kimberley for extended periods, particularly during the dry season April - October.

What are we looking for?

• An experienced ecologist who is passionate about working on Traditional Owner-led ecology projects in remote Australia.
• A dynamic, highly motivated individual with strong people skills and a can-do attitude, who can work both independently and, in a team.
• Someone with ecological knowledge and experience in Northern and/or arid Australia.
• Someone who is passionate about working with communities, empowering Indigenous rangers, training and capacity building.
• The right person for the role will have a strong track record in Indigenous co-design practices to deliver ecological projects, while building organisational and individual capacity and capability.

Selection Criteria

It is essential your application addresses each of the selection criteria by providing information about your qualifications, experience and skills as they relate to each one.

Essential

1. Sound knowledge of ecological principles and cultural and natural resource management, as evidenced by a relevant degree and or a least three years field experience.
2. A passion for supporting Traditional Owner-led cultural and natural resource management.
3. Demonstrated experience coordinating large projects including planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting to deadlines.
4. Experience establishing or carrying out a monitoring evaluation reporting and improvement (MERI) strategy for adaptive conservation management projects.
5. Proficiency in spatial mapping and the use of GIS software.
6. Experience in capacity and capability building with conservation, community and/or Indigenous groups.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to write reports for a range of audiences and communicate sensitively and effectively with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.
8. Understanding of Indigenous cultures, protocols and issues in relation to caring for country / land and sea management activities, and commitment to community empowerment, training and development.
9. A collaborative attitude and ability to work well in a team, independently, and with colleagues. As well as an ability to form strong networks and collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, including Indigenous groups, industry, community, government and scientific.
10. An ability and willingness to work and travel in remote and frequently challenging environments.
11. Proficiency in computer-based administration.
12. Current drivers' licence for manual vehicle and 4WD competence.

Desirable

1. Prior on-ground experience working with Indigenous communities in cultural and natural resource management.
2. Training and experience in cultural and natural resources management field activities, e.g. weed management, mapping, feral animal management, revegetation, fencing or fire management.
3. Demonstrated ability to read, analyse and use scientific literature for practical, written and communication purposes. Strong academic or research community links, e.g. research fellowship, publishing record, supervisor experience, academic awards etc.
4. Understanding of fire ecology principles.

Click the "Apply Now" button to submit your application.

For further information about us, visit our website klc.org.au.

A position description is attached.

We reserve the right to commence recruitment proceedings immediately and to close this advertisement early should a suitable candidate be found.