The Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) is looking for driven Species Survival Officers who want to put their talent towards making a difference for priority Australian threatened species.

Become part of a progressive, high-performing team with an office based on site at harbourside Taronga Zoo Sydney (remote options available). We have a very inclusive environment in our team and encourage anyone who fits the criteria for this role to apply.

ABOUT THE ZOO AND AQUARIUM ASSOCIATION (ZAA)

As a peak body, the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest standards.

ZAA and its members lead over 100 ex situ animal programs across Australasia in support of conservation, research and community education.

We are partnered with the IUCN SSC, and together, we’ve established the Centre for Species Survival: Australasia, which works in close partnership with the Commonwealth Government and SSC’s volunteer expert groups and others to conduct extinction risk assessments, facilitate multi-stakeholder conservation planning, mobilise priority action and build capacity to save species.

We have a progressive, science-based approach to animal welfare. Using the Five Domains Animal Welfare Assessment Model, this approach champions welfare from the animal’s perspective and it underpins all that we do.

As an association, ZAA brings its members together, facilitating shared knowledge and continuous improvement in conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

One full-time, fixed term role, Monday to Friday, reporting to the ZAA Director of Conservation and Population Management/Director Centre for Species Survival Australasia. We’ll consider candidates based in Australia, preferably in a capital city as a remote option. Hybrid work is also available with the opportunity to work from home up to 2 days per week.

A Species Survival Officer will provide essential coordination support for Priority Species, will be responsible for nationally registering Recovery Teams, aligning their efforts with the objectives and targets outlined in the 2022-2032 Threatened Species Action Plan and the 2021-2031 Threatened Species Strategy. Through capacity building, strategic partnerships with national and global experts, and the institutionalisation of best practices, the project aims to establish a lasting legacy of conservation excellence that will transcend the project's duration. By driving efficient and effective support for Priority Species recovery teams, the project seeks to maximise conservation outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance governance structures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Species Survival Officer will be responsible for providing coordination assistance to recovery teams managing priority species to:

• help improve efficiency and effectiveness of their operations, including governance structures in the short and longer term by ensuring best practices are implemented
• assist teams to become nationally registered
• support recovery coordination for Threatened Species Action Plan priority species or species clusters that have complex recovery needs and multiple partners
• support recovery teams of other Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed threatened species and/or ecological communities

Key accountabilities include:

• Collaborate, communicate and plan effectively to ensure unique skills, resources and efforts of different stakeholders collectively deliver species recovery and protection through efficient, comprehensive and effective efforts.
• completing the national registration process for recovery teams
• establishing best practice governance and operating arrangements using DCCEEW’s best practice guidelines
• developing clear terms of reference do demonstrate how the team will operate
• assist with project planning administration, tracking and reporting
• assisting in the coordination of recovery planning workshops, on-ground actions and community outreach or media opportunities
• tracking recovery team membership, roles and partnerships
• coordinating regular reporting in line with the National Reporting Framework
• assisting recovery team members to report species data to the Threatened Species Index and to assist with reporting on trajectory of species over time
• facilitating the securing of funding through government grants and/or private sources and the budgeting of recovery team finances
• any other reasonable activities as specified by a recovery teams activities, goals and targets where coordination and/or administrative skills are required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• 4+ years real world experience in roles relating to conservation biology, zoology, botany, ecology, natural resources management OR a bachelor degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills. Ability to work as part of a team, confidence in interacting with experts, external partners and ability to facilitate discussions towards shared outcomes with sensitivity to multicultural approaches.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex multi-stakeholder groups with divergent agendas.
• Demonstrated experience and a good understanding of the practical aspects of biodiversity conservation actions, endangered species protections and policy especially relating to species.
• Strong skills in project management, planning and project implementation.
• Advanced and competent user of standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software and electronic communication technology (e.g. Outlook, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, conference calls, etc.). Working knowledge of social media and mobile apps.
• Experience with administration including data management, attention to detail and numerical
• Strong organisation skills and management of competing priorities and demonstrated capability to take initiative and innovate.
• Capable of achieving targets with limited resources in a small, high-performance team.
• Willingness to travel domestically.