[Hiring] Wildlife Ecologist @Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Role Description

Reporting to the Senior Ecologist (NST), the Wildlife Ecologist will contribute to AWC’s science program in the National Science Team. This position sits within the Threatened Species and Conservation Planning team and will play a key role in the delivery and implementation of AWC’s conservation planning for threatened and priority species, relating to extant and reintroduced populations across AWC properties and partnership sites, and support AWC’s reintroduction program and threatened species management more broadly.

In addition, the role will be expected to contribute to the broader tasks of the National Science program, as requested by the Senior Ecologist and National Science Team Manager, related to the development and review of strategies to prioritise AWC’s acquisitions, partnerships, research, conservation land management, Ecohealth monitoring and evaluation, and climate change adaptation.

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.

Requirements

• A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, evidenced through work, education and other relevant activities.
• Experience working with threatened species including an understanding of the drivers behind species declines and conservation planning strategies to facilitate threatened species management.
• 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, ensuring contracted obligations are met.
• 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.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant conservation efforts.
• Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders in conservation management.