Field Ecologist | Mallee Cliffs/Scotia

About AWC

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is a global leader in conservation, providing hope for Australia's wildlife with a science-informed, land management partnership approach which delivers high impact results. We protect endangered wildlife across 12.9 million hectares in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, the Top End and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

AWC's mission - to deliver effective conservation for all native animal species and their habitats - is achieved by:

• Operations - delivering effective large-scale land management including fire management, feral animal control, weed control and infrastructure management.
• Science - delivering the largest national biological survey program with a focus on measuring the population of indicator species and the extent of threatening processes as well as conducting research on key issues such as feral cat control.
• Fundraising - mobilising finance (primarily, tax deductible donations) from the general public and philanthropists including through effective communication of field updates from around the AWC estate.

About the role

In South-east Australia, AWC has been contracted by the NSW Government to reintroduce up to 11 species of threatened mammals into two NSW protected areas - Mallee Cliffs National Park in south-west NSW, and part of the Pilliga forest in north-central NSW. The Mallee Cliffs project site extends over 57,900 ha. AWC has constructed a conservation fence on the site to establish a 9,500 ha feral predator-free area, into which 10 threatened mammal species will be reintroduced. To date, seven species have been successfully established on site - the Greater Bilby, Numbat, Brush-tailed Bettong, Burrowing Bettong, Greater Stick-nest Rat, Red-tailed Phascogale and Mitchell's Hopping Mouse, with the remaining three species planned for reintroduction from 2024. AWC is also responsible for delivering conservation management and an associated science program (monitoring, research) across the project site.

Also in NSW, AWC runs a long-term reintroduction project at Scotia Sanctuary, with Numbats, Greater Bilby, Burrowing Bettongs and Bridled Nailtail Wallabies occurring within an 8,000 ha fenced area. Additional translocations are also planned for Scotia from 2024.

Reporting day-to-day to the Mallee Cliffs/Scotia Wildlife Ecologist, the Field Ecologist will play an integral role in implementing AWC's on-ground science programs at Mallee Cliffs National Park and Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary. The position requires extensive fieldwork, including large fauna and vegetation surveys, translocation of threatened mammals, and long-term ecological monitoring. Data management and reporting are also critical. A higher degree (Honours or equivalent) in ecology/conservation biology (or similar) is essential. Experience in conducting ecological fieldwork/monitoring and associated data management will be highly regarded. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated capacity to work harmoniously and productively in a team environment, and must have well-developed communication and organisational skills. This position is based at Buronga, NSW.

Key duties of the Field Ecologist include:

• As part of a team, contribute to the delivery of AWC's science programs at Mallee Cliffs and Scotia. Major tasks in the science programs include ecological monitoring, the reintroduction of locally-extinct species, and ecological research.
• Contribute to data management and reporting of AWC's science programs at Mallee Cliffs and Scotia, ensuring a high level of scientific integrity.
• Contribute to the communication of AWC's science programs to the scientific community and to the public as required.
• Assist with AWC's fundraising activities as required.

Qualifications:

1. A higher degree (Honours or equivalent) in ecology/conservation biology (or similar) is essential.

Licenses & Certificates:

1. Valid manual Australian driver's licence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the science program of Australia's largest non-government conservation organisation and to make an important contribution to a nationally-significant applied ecology program.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is based in the South East, working across the Mallee Cliffs and Scotia sites for a 12 month full time contract ideally starting at the end of April, beginning of May 2024.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Field Ecologist | Mallee Cliffs/Scotia.

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20020987