Land Management Officer | Kangaroo Island

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:

Since the extensive wildfires during the summer of 2019/2020, AWC has been working with local conservation organisation, Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife (KILfW), and concerned landholders, to help protect the critically endangered Kangaroo Island Dunnart and other threatened species.

Covering 440,000 hectares, Kangaroo Island is a renowned biodiversity hotspot, and natural haven for several threatened and endemic species, and is best known for its rugged landscapes and close encounters with native wildlife.
AWC and KILfW protected the Kangaroo Island Dunnart by establishing a safe haven within a feral cat-proof fence in the Western River area of Kangaroo Island. The refuge offers respite for many other fauna & flora recovering after the fires, including the Kangaroo Island Echidna, Bassian Thrush, Western Whipbird, Heath Monitor, Southern Emu-wren and Southern Brown Bandicoot.

AWC is seeking an experienced conservation Land Management practitioner ,to be based on Kangaroo Island, to support the Kangaroo Island project in a range of conservation Land Management, asset and infrastructure programs. The successful applicant, with the guidance and support of the Kangaroo Island Operations Manager, will be responsible for delivering the day-to-day activities.  As such, the candidate will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of Land Management programs including feral animal control, weed and fire management. 

The Land Management Officer covers a broad range of tasks including asset and infrastructure maintenance. As such, practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use, a wide range of plant and equipment is essential. 

You will need to be capable of working with a wide range of stakeholders including private landholders, land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders, government officials. 

Critical competencies:

1. A broad knowledge of trades (building, mechanical, fencing, plumbing, welding & electrical) is desirable, including the ability to carry out routine tasks and maintenance.
2. Demonstrated practical skills in relation to asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance including skills relevant to:
   • Implementation of the approved asset and infrastructure maintenance program (building, fencing, roads etc).
   • Ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment including carrying out routine mechanical repairs to:
     • 4WD’s, All terrain vehicles, back hoes, tractors etc;
     • Small motor maintenance: Generators, pumps etc; and
     • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
     • Firearms
     • Fire-fighting and weed spraying equipment
   • General infrastructure projects including construction, earth works, fencing and building.
3. Knowledge of practical Land Management programs including:
   • Fire management;
   • Weed control programs; and
   • Feral animal control programs. 
4. Understanding of and interest in Australian ecology and conservation issues.
5. Excellent stakeholder engagement and people management skills, including staff and contractor management and volunteer supervision 
6. Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques.
7. Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, including an ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
8. The ability to improvise and problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
9. Willingness and ability to work as part of a small team or independently without supervision.
10. Ability to use standard business software packages (Excel, Word and email) is essential.
11. Experience of working and living in a rural/remote area.

Qualifications:

1. Relevant trade/ TAFE qualification (desirable).
2. Practical experience in delivering ‘on-ground’ results and a willingness to turn a hand to most tasks will be highly regarded over formal qualifications.

Licenses, Certificates and/or Training:

1. A current valid Australian (or internationally recognised) manual driver’s licence, with experience in 4WD/off-road conditions is essential
2. Experience (and relevant licences) in operating agricultural machinery such as tractors and backhoes (desirable)
3. Bushfire control training and experience (desirable)
4. Current first aid certificate, senior and/or remote first aid (desirable)
5. Firearms experience and current licence (desirable)
6. National police clearance certificate

NOTE: this role is offered as a 12-month fixed term contract based at Kangaroo Island. 

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20021202