Operations Manager | National Operations

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:

As the Operations Manager at AWC, you will play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating national conservation initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, your responsibilities will include supporting regional and sanctuary managers in planning, managing, and reporting on multiple projects. The Operations Manager will be part of the National Operations team which helps deliver operational support and guidance across the organisation. 

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Supporting regional and sanctuary managers with planning, managing and reporting of multiple projects, partnerships, and other formal operating arrangements.
• Assisting with the coordination and compilation of operations planning and reports; ensuring that information is prepared in a timely manner for Board reporting or as required for other purposes.
• Researching information for projects or general operations including regulatory and legislative requirements, approvals and consultants, sourcing of suppliers, products or services.
• Strategic projects and initiatives across the operations and science teams such as asset planning and management, capital and fleet forecasting.
• Managing staff conducting business administration of several key organisational systems overseeing the projects strategy, rollout, training and troubleshooting. Includes volunteer, asset, visitor bookings, task and project management and form-building systems.
• Stakeholder relationship and contract management 

Critical competencies:

1. Getting things done: You need exceptional planning and organisational skills, including a demonstrated ability to plan and execute a large number of tasks in an efficient manner.
2. Working with people: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to AWC (e.g. staff, suppliers, contractors etc.)   
3. Project Management: Experience in the planning, delivery and management of projects from inception to completion including internally funded projects and partnership projects where AWC is contracted to deliver services on government or private land. 
4. Contract Management: Oversee, manage and coordinate the delivery of contractual requirements including key project deliverables, such as reporting, documents, services and financial obligations. Coordinate and communicate requirements with key AWC departments and with field-based project teams.
5. Problem Solving: You will need a well-developed ability to ‘problem solve’ and identify and recommend innovative solutions with limited resources.
6. Paperwork /compliance: Excellent writing skills, including the demonstrated ability to draft effective approvals applications, letters, reports, business cases and other correspondence. 
7. Resourcefulness: The ability to improvise and ‘problem-solve’, developing practical solutions with limited resources.
8. Information technology: Advanced ability in using standard business software packages (including MS 365) is essential. Experience with overseeing system administration in particular project management, asset and volunteer or visitor management is desirable. 
9.  A passion for conservation: A passion for, or strong in interest in, conservation.
10. Willingness to travel: To AWC sanctuaries and other locations around Australia as required, including a willingness to spend extended periods at AWC sanctuaries.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline are an advantage, however, this is less important than demonstrated strong, practical experience in a project or contracting environment.
• Proven experience in delivering ‘on-ground’ results. 

Licenses, Certificates:

• Valid manual driver’s licence.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is an immediate start. Work/base location is negotiable for the right candidate. Note, AWC's head office is located in Perth WA. 

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Operations Manager | National Operations

Join our Journey:

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on Australia's wildlife and habitats, this is the role for you! AWC reserves the right to start screening applicants and interviewing throughout the recruitment process. 

Initial enquiries: **********@australianwildlife.org

Applications: To submit an application, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts to complete an online application form. Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

Please note: 

1. Applicants must be an Australian citizen/permanent resident or have a suitable visa in place in order to apply for the internship program. Sponsorship is not available.
2. If you apply for this role, AWC will include you in its ongoing updates and communications about its events, activities and fundraising initiatives. You may opt out of these communications at any time.
3. Any application submitted to AWC will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at www.australianwildlife.org/privacy-policy. By providing us with your contact details, your consent to receive communications and direct educational material will remain current until you advise us otherwise.

AWC is a welcoming and inclusive organisation that invites individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as those who identify as First Nations and Torres Strait Islander, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTIQA+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and those from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, to apply for the opportunity. AWC values and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves, and where a range of perspectives, cultures, and voices are respected and recognised as a key part to the success of AWC. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must also have the right to live and work in Australia.