The Company

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all mainland Australian states and territories. Their work focuses on three main biogeographical zones – the Outback (including work with many Indigenous Traditional Owner groups, our Oceans (including the extensive shellfish reef building program), and Australia’s agricultural landscapes (including innovative water funds and property management), to learn more about their work in Australia visit www.natureaustralia.org.au.

The Role

The Nature Conservancy Australia is leading an exciting national initiative to recover shellfish ecosystems from the brink of extinction. They are looking for people who are passionate about leading change and delivering projects that result in tangible and lasting outcomes for people and nature.

The Marine Project Coordinator provides technical support to TNC Australia’s Oceans Program by leading project management and planning, community engagement, project governance and supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting for local restoration projects with a particular focus on Gippsland Lakes. Working as part of a national team, secondary functions may include supporting communication to a wide range of stakeholders, data analysis or reporting in support of other projects nationally and according to individual strengths and experiences.

As a key member of the Oceans Team, you will also engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders with different backgrounds and perspectives. You will work collaboratively, exercise lateral leadership and demonstrate patience and persistence. You will have a solid background in project management and community engagement and enjoy solving complex problems in a team environment.

The Project Coordinator will oversee day to day management of project stakeholders including but not limited to government, aquaculture and fisheries industries, recreational and commercial fishers, Indigenous groups, and the wider community. They may be required to assist with implementing a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC marine conservation priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees all aspects of project coordination and delivery including planning, procurement, permitting, implementation, and reporting.
• Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish project goals.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and assisting with fundraising.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supports the design, construction, management and monitoring of large-scale, in-water marine restoration projects.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and experience in natural resource management, aquaculture, coastal engineering or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, MS Project, etc.
• Demonstrated high level of complex project management, planning and implementation.
• Experience working with Indigenous groups and/or underrepresented ethnic groups.
• Technical experience in environmental statistics, data analysis, GIS, or spatial mapping.
• Knowledge and experience in marine conservation and/or habitat restoration.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

Location and Salary

This position will be based in Melbourne and will require travel to Gippsland and other coastal site locations across Victoria which requires candidates to have a valid driver’s license. This position is being offered as an 18-month fixed term contract at a Grade 5 salary range of $77,440 per annum to $96,800 per annum plus 10% superannuation, plus generous employee benefits and flexible working arrangements.

To Apply

For a confidential discussion please contact Claire Black on 0407 821 086. The application process will involve providing your resume online initially and a further written submission of key experience post a confidential conversation of your application.

Talent Nation strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders.