Threatened Flora Ecologist

Organisational Overview

The Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that is working to turn around Australia’s alarmingly high extinction rate. Despite our wealth, Australia has not only the highest mammal extinction rate in the world but also numerous unique, endemic species going extinct without even being listed or recorded.

TSC are threatened species specialists who have a deep commitment to preventing further plant and animal extinctions. We endeavour to secure Australia’s Threatened Flora and fauna species by working with local communities, government agencies and tertiary institutions to implement targeted on-ground actions and foster connections between people and the natural world. As long-standing practitioners of threatened species recovery, we know that communities can improve the health of Australia’s treasured biodiversity. We have also witnessed the benefits to the community that engaging with nature can bring.

TSC is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we value the importance of a true work/life balance and acknowledge that our employees have varying needs and capacities. One of the foundations that TSC was built on is to provide career opportunities for people in all walks of life as we strive to close the gender pay gap.

Location: Location and working from home arrangements negotiable, with preferred location head office in Cowes, Phillip Island. Field work across NSW/VIC. Must be willing to travel to field sites / interstate travel.

Salary: $82,000 per annum pro rata - part-time 0.4 FTE (2 days a week )with possibly more hours for the right candidate. Casual work is an option also - please get in contact. 12-month contract with a 12 month extension. Superannuation contributions in accordance with Australian legislation.

Position Overview

General

• Support the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the TSC.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the TSC.
• Participate in the performance review process.
• Support ecologists and other staff in flora related projects.

Project management and implementation

• Design, coordinate and implement Threatened Flora recovery and research projects.
• Oversee the scientific rigor of graduate ecologists’ flora related projects.
• Develop projects and write grant applications.
• Provide specialist advice relating to the ecology and recovery of Threatened Flora.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government and community stakeholders.
• Manage contractors and volunteers, including their engagement, occupational health and safety and performance.
• Develop and coordinate community engagement activities to raise awareness of threatened species and scientific processes.
• Undertake fieldwork (including in remote areas).
• Design and implement monitoring, evaluation and reporting for grant acquittals and conservation projects.

Administration

• Maintain accurate and up to date project budgets and project plans.
• Ensure that all funded projects are implemented and acquitted appropriately, in a timely manner and in accordance with best practice (i.e., environmental, educational, safety).

Other

• Other tasks as required, and as determined in consultation with the CEO.
• This position may require extensive periods of fieldwork in isolated conditions.
• This position may require work to be undertaken outside of normal business hours and overnight stays.
• This position will require use of a personal vehicle and computer. Vehicle costs will be reimbursed.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications / Certificates

• Academic qualifications in natural resource management, environmental science or a similar field.
• Driver’s license and remote 4WD experience.

Experience

• At least two years relevant experience in Threatened Flora recovery or research.
• Extensive skills and experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of Threatened Flora recovery projects including seeking and acquitting government and/or philanthropic funding.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and volunteer management including designing citizen science projects, convening meetings, developing and presenting written and verbal communications.
• Demonstrated experience in successful grant development and writing.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management including budget and contract management.
• Experience and a commitment to collaborating and working with First Nations people.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking fieldwork in remote or isolated environments.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of Threatened Flora ecology.
• Comprehensive understanding of flora monitoring protocols, experimental design and data analysis.
• Skills in the use of GIS systems to aid planning and management.
• Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety, and equity and diversity principles.

Personal Attributes

• The capacity to develop and maintain good relationships with funders, government agencies, First Nations people, volunteers, TSC Board, landholders and others in our community.
• Personal behaviour is underpinned by ethics, honesty, inclusiveness, and transparency in professional dealings.