Threatened Species Project Officer (Affirmative Measure - Indigenous)

Affirmative measure - Indigenous employment - The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Who we are

Australia's natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Kakadu National Park is a world-heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park's natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park's natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.

The Country Section is responsible for the protection of the Kakadu National Park's biodiversity assets and natural values. The section does this by providing strategic advice and support to the operations section on fire, feral and weed management, managing Country through a significant fire programme; implementing and assisting significant Species Projects; responding to the threat of climate change; data and knowledge management; and planning. The section is an important part of creating an inclusive cross-cultural working environment.

The Job

Under the limited supervision of the Threatened Species Team Leader of the Country Section and in accordance with the Lease Agreement, Kakadu Plan of Management and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

• Prepare for and perform field work in remote environments, involving bush camping in often challenging conditions (must be willing to fly in a helicopter).
• Supervise a small team from a variety of backgrounds including Traditional Owners, parks staff, scientists, and volunteers.
• Apply established scientific survey procedures following existing SOPs to survey wildlife and vegetation to collect scientific data in an effective, safe and ethical manner, adhering to animal ethics permit conditions with a focus on live trapping, handling, and genetic sampling mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
• Identify vertebrate fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians) to species level in the field using observation, calls, and diagnostic/taxonomic keys.
• Accurately record and maintain large volumes of ecological data using digital data capture devices, and perform data entry, data vetting and data management tasks.
• Manage camping and survey equipment including maintenance and repair.
• Work effectively and co-operatively with the Country Section and wider Kakadu and Parks Australia.
• Collate and analysing survey data for reports.
• Work with Traditional Owners to maximising opportunities for engagement and knowledge exchange to foster strong working relationships and support the principles of joint management.
• Promote safe working practices as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and relevant departmental WHS policies.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

We are looking for a passionate individual with experience in Threatened Species monitoring and research using contemporary methods, an ability to form productive working relationships with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, and a high level of competence working safely in remote and isolated environments, who is a team player and willing to chip in and help get the job done. The successful candidate will have:

• Experience working with Aboriginal people and communities, and an awareness of issues affecting Indigenous people in remote locations.
• Demonstrated experience, and a high level of practical knowledge and skills in planning, coordinating and implementing field work in a protected area, particularly remote areas.
• Demonstrated experience and sound theoretical knowledge of the field of plant or animal ecology, including knowledge of native biota of northern Australia, and first-hand experience in contemporary survey and research approaches.
• Demonstrated experience applying established scientific field procedures in an effective, safe and ethical manner.
• Track record of working in small teams as an effective team member, with experience in supervising and training participants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated application of safe working practices in relation to fire management and a working knowledge of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
• Experience in biodiversity, Threatened Species and threatening processes of Northern Australia.

Skills and capabilities:

• High level communications skills with the ability to build rapport with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and their families to contribute sensitively and effectively to the joint management of KNP.
• Effective time management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and work autonomously in some instances.
• Demonstrable skills in the delivery of flora and fauna surveys on terrestrial native biota, particularly in a protected area context, with an emphasis on:
  • Standardised surveys using a range of contemporary methods.
  • Animal capture and safe handling skills.
  • Plant and animal identification skills, including the use of taxonomic keys and field ID guides, and.
  • Taking genetic samples and morphometric measurements of animals.
• Ability to work safely in remote environments in harsh conditions, including assisting or leading small teams, with skills in:
  • Reading topographic maps, navigation, and use GPS and communications equipment.
  • Identifying risk and hazards to work safely and ensure safety of participants.
  • Planning and delivery of field work, including organising logistics for vehicle and helicopter transport of equipment, provisions and personnel, and.
  • Basic bush camping in remote areas with a small team (possibly one other).
• Collection, collation, and interpretation of biological data including:
  • Accurate data collection, data entry and validation.
  • Analysis of field and other data, such as identification of animals from camera trap images using appropriate software, analysis of song meter and anabat data.
  • Preparation of reporting and communications materials to suit a variety of audiences.

Desirable qualifications

• Zoology, Botany, Biology or Land Management qualifications.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
• Hold and maintain a current manual driver's licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle.
• Meet physical fitness minimum standards to undertake work within the role including firefighting as needed.

Please Note:

• Relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.
• Physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work.
• You may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work.
• You will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses.
• You will be required to travel in remote/isolated locations in northern Australia or its near northern neighbours, using a variety of transport including vessels, light/commercial aircraft, helicopters and manual four wheel drive vehicles.
• You will be required, from time to time, to work in difficult, remote and harsh environments (possibly for extended periods) under limited supervision or in teams.
• You will be required to wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department's uniform policy.
• You will be required to wear appropriate protective personal equipment and clothing to comply with departmental Work Health & Safety policies and procedures.

Eligibility and other requirements

Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.