Land Management Officer | Newhaven

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:

Covering 262,000 hectares, Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Australia’s largest non-government protected areas. At Newhaven dramatic quartzite mountains overlook extensive parallel sand dunes, spinifex grasslands, shimmering salt lakes and mulga woodlands. Newhaven is a hotspot for the wildlife of central Australia.

AWC is seeking an experienced and practicable Land Management Officer (LMO) to join the team based at Newhaven. The LMO plays a key part in supporting the Sanctuary Manager and other staff in achieving AWC's mission in a range of Land Management, asset and infrastructure programs. The LMO also plays a part in the tight integration between AWC’s Operations and Science teams where teams work together as part of a national AWC approach to conservation.

The successful applicant, with the guidance and support of the Sanctuary Manager and Senior Land Management Officer, will be responsible for implementing the day-to-day activities specified in the Annual Works Plan and, where required, coordinate multiple personnel working in the Operations Program. The successful candidate will require knowledge of and be able to demonstrate experience in the delivery of Land Management programs for conservation including fire management, weed and feral animal control. The role of the LMO extends to a wide range of tasks including asset and infrastructure maintenance. As such, a broad knowledge of all trades, practical skills with asset and infrastructure repair and maintenance, and the ability to use a wide range of plant and equipment are essential.

You will need to be capable of working with a wide range of people including land managers, scientists, students, volunteers, visitors, neighbouring landholders including indigenous communities, and government officials, and will be committed to helping AWC develop and implement a new model for conservation.

Critical competencies:

1. A broad knowledge of all 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 an 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, ATVs,  tractors etc.
     • Generators, pumps etc. – any experience with desalination plants would be highly regarded.
     • Power tools including chainsaws, welders etc.
   • General infrastructure projects including construction, fencing and building.
3. Knowledge of practical Land Management programs including fire management, weed and feral animal control.
4. Understanding of and interest in Australian (with a particular focus on the southern Australia) ecology and conservation issues.
5. Understanding of ecological research and experience (desirable) with field techniques including animal trapping, handling and monitoring.
6. Demonstrated ability to prioritise and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
7. Ability to problem-solve, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
8. Willingness and ability to work as part of a small team or independently without supervision.
9. Basic computer skills including Word, Excel and email (desirable).
10. Experience working and living in a semi-rural/remote area.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline would be an advantage but is less important than strong, practical experience and a good track record of delivering ‘on-ground’ results.

Licenses and Certificates:

• A valid manual drivers licence with 4WD experience in difficult conditions is essential
• Medium Rigid drivers licence (desirable).
• First aid certificate (desirable).
• Firearm licence (desirable).

Please note: 

Based at Newhaven (4.5 hours’ drive north of Alice Springs), where basic on-site accommodation is provided, this is a unique opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.  As AWC evolves there may become a requirement for this role to transfer to a different property and therefore workplace flexibility is essential.

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20021436