• Flexible Location
• Collaborative, science-based and innovative culture
• 3 year fixed term contract

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 our work in Australia visit www.natureaustralia.org.au.

The role

The Nature and Agricultural Landscapes Manager directs some or all aspects of protection, science, stewardship and community relations for the Nature and Agricultural Landscapes Program within The Nature Conservancy Australia. They serve as one of the principal contacts to government agencies, other conservation organisations, foundations, and the academic community in this portfolio.

This role is key to establishing the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organisations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.

The position also develops innovative scientific methods, analysis, tools and frameworks to address the natural system needs, engages local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate The Nature Conservancy Australia’s involvement in five key projects in the Nature and Agricultural Landscapes Program: the Murray-Darling Basin Balanced Water Fund, the Great Cumbung, Gayini Nimmie-Caira, the Sustainable Water Impact Fund and the Farmland to Reef Regeneration Fund.
• Work extensively with partner organisations, other stakeholders and builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Develop and implement strategy for the Nature and Agricultural Landscapes Program, including opportunities beyond the above listed projects.
• Leads and manages team or projects to support and improve conservation efforts.
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Responsible for ensuring that public and private funds are raised to meet program needs.

Minimum qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in negotiating and partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies

Desired qualifications and or experience

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 5-7 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and conservation practices in agricultural landscapes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means including with the public and or media.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy - have the ‘political skills that ensure productive relationships and the ability to maximise and leverage relationships [KF1][CB2] in order to achieve organisational, team, and individual goals.
• Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
• Work with partners and on-site project coordinators to execute and implement science and conservation strategies.
• Track and analyse progress to ensure goals and objectives are met and metrics of success and accountability are captured.
• Ability to diagnose complex problems and identify solutions.
• Experience negotiating, building, and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.

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.