Expressions of Interest for the 2024 Field Season:Weipa-based Positions for Ecological Professionals with Varying Experience LevelsOverviewEcotone Flora Fauna Consultants is seeking expressions of interest from highly motivated and capable individuals from a variety of ecological disciplines, particularly terrestrial zoology and botany, who are ready and willing to join a team of passionate, conscientious professionals on Cape York Peninsula, based in Weipa.About UsEcotone is a medium-sized ecological consulting firm operating out of Weipa on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Our work focusses on flora and fauna field surveys, centred around our region, and we aim to deliver excellence and value to our clients. Ecotone is committed to ethical practices and preserving our natural heritage. Our work is essential to ensuring sustainable development and management of the unique ecosystems we work in.Positions AvailableRoles available vary from predominately field-based positions suiting graduates, to senior-level positions that involve designing and leading field studies, reporting and mentoring. Positions are open to individuals with education and expertise in various ecological fields, including but not limited to:
- Ecology.
- Botany.
- Zoology.
- Environmental Science.
- Opportunities to work alongside Ecological Professionals with expertise in a wide range of subjects.
- Experience in a diverse range of projects.
- A range of tasks including survey preparation, field work, data management and reporting.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment.
- A chance to contribute to meaningful management and conservation initiatives.
- Training and development opportunities.
- And a chance to explore and experience the landscapes, attractions and lifestyle of Cape York Peninsula.
- Passion for field ecology.
- High level of physical fitness, mental resilience, motivation and endurance to be able to safely undertake field work in challenging tropical conditions (high temperatures and humidity) at a productive pace.
- Manual Australian Drivers Licence
- Please flag in your application if you currently only hold an automatic licence.
- Commitment and ability to work within Ecotone's safety systems, and those of our clients, including:
- compliance with drug and alcohol policies.
- following communication plans.
- working safely in remote bush landscapes.
- working safety alongside mining operations.
- looking out for colleagues' health and wellbeing.
- Commitment to comply with and implement survey permits and animal ethics approval conditions and provisions to achieve excellent animal welfare outcomes.
- Demonstrated experience and ability to operate 4WD vehicles.
- Tertiary qualification in Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science or similar.
- Familiarity with Australian fauna and or flora species derived from field survey experience.
- Experience in being out bush, including demonstrated competency (not just a 4WD certificate) in operating 4WD vehicles off-road, changing tyres, navigating in bush environments and being able to trouble-shoot minor mechanical or technical faults with vehicles and equipment.
- Advanced knowledge of bird identification from both observations and call identification and the ability to reliably identify raptor species in flight.
- Knowledge of Australian terrestrial vertebrate fauna genera (frogs, reptiles, birds, mammals) and experience in ethically handling and identifying fauna.
- Ability to work in a co-operative team environment working toward common goals.
- Ability to prepare concise, factual and relevant written and verbal reports to a high standard.
- Ability to communicate effectively with fellow team members and client representatives.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly compilation of large MS Word documents with imagery and maps.
- GIS capabilities, especially Esri ArcGIS Suite.
- Botanical knowledge and experience.
- Familiarity with digital data capture and navigation using GPS enabled handheld devices and data entry apps.
- Familiarity with the fauna of Cape York Peninsula.
- Experience working with Traditional Owners.
- Experience in environmental management within the mining sector.
- Familiarity with camera and acoustic survey techniques.
- Familiarity with analysis of acoustic data sets using call recognition software.
- Experience conducting fauna spotter-catcher activities.
- Hold current Senior (Apply) First Aid and Advanced 4WD competencies.
- Familiarity with Dropbox or other cloud storage utilities.
- Experience with using satellite phones, personal satellite trackers (i.e. Garmin InReach) and EPIRBs.