[Hiring] Senior Wildlife Ecologist @Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Role Description

Reporting to the National Science Team Manager (NSTM), the Wildlife Ecologist will contribute to AWC’s science program in the National Science Team. This position will play a key role in the delivery and implementation of AWC’s climate change adaptation strategy and acquisition prioritisation strategy, and support species management and conservation planning more broadly.

In addition, the role will be expected to contribute to the broader tasks of the National Science program, as requested, related to the development and review of strategies to prioritise research, conservation land management and Ecohealth monitoring and evaluation.

The Wildlife Ecologist must be strongly motivated to make a substantial difference in nature conservation, contribute to the development of the private nature conservation sector, and be willing to help develop and promote AWC’s conservation model, with particular application to the social and environmental context of the region.

Qualifications

• A PhD in ecology, conservation or a related discipline.
• Experience working in conservation or a related field would be highly regarded.
• For appointment at the Senior Wildlife Ecologist level, substantial postgraduate work experience (nominally, 10+ years) in a relevant field is required, plus aptitude/capacity for managing programs and staff.

Requirements

• A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.
• Technical competence in the application and use of GIS software and the ability to write scripts to increase work efficiencies.
• Good understanding of the impacts of climate change and the different approaches taken to climate change adaptation planning for impacts to Australian wildlife and ecosystems.
• Experience or ability to become competent with spatial prioritisation tools such as Zonation and/or Marxan that facilitate the identification of key areas to protect priority biodiversity values.
• Advanced knowledge of the conservation of Australian wildlife and ecosystems including the nature and functioning of the Australian biota; major threats to native wildlife and their habitats; and how these threats can be mitigated.
• Excellent ecological field and research skills including high level knowledge of the ecological literature; advanced knowledge of experimental design and sampling methods; strong skills in vertebrate ecology and sound skills in field ecology generally; advanced skills in statistical analysis of ecological data and the use of computer software packages relevant to the position.
• Well-developed planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a range of tasks in an effective manner.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate a team of staff and volunteers working in remote areas.
• Good relationship-building and collaborative skills to perform your role as part of a team of conservation ecologists.
• Well-developed capacity to write and review scientific reports and publications, compose funding applications and reports, and communicate science and conservation messages to a general audience.
• Ability to deliver projects in a cost-effective manner and to manage financial resources, and to ensure contracted obligations are met, commensurate with the requirements of the position.
• Ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
• Willingness to travel away from base and conduct field work to meet the requirements of the position.

Benefits

• AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply. Sponsorship is not available.
• Applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment checks, which may include a national police clearance, online medical and a values-based assessment.
• AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for the opportunity.