Wildlife Ecologist | Mornington - Marion Downs - Tableland

Help deliver effective conservation in the Kimberley.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is the largest private (non-profit) owner of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife at 31 sanctuaries and management areas in which we own or manage in partnership, covering a total of more than 12.9 million hectares across Australia. With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation.
Three of AWC's sanctuaries are in the Kimberley region: Mornington, Marion Downs, and Charnley River - Artesian Range, along with three partnerships, the Dambimangari, Wilinggin, and Yulmbu Aboriginal Corporations, and a contract with Commonwealth Department of Defence on Yampi Sound Training Area. In total, these sanctuaries and partnerships cover a combined area of over 4.3 million ha and protect numerous threatened habitats and species.
About the role
Commencing March 2024, AWC is seeking a passionate Wildlife Ecologist to join a team of ecologists responsible for implementing AWC's science program in the Kimberley (primarily Mornington - Marion Downs - Tableland). Of the 31 sanctuaries and partnership areas, AWC protects wildlife and their habitats across 7 properties and partnerships in the Kimberley, covering 4.3 million hectares. AWC's wildlife sanctuaries, and properties in partnership with the government and with Indigenous groups, include Mornington-Marion Downs and Charnley River - Artesian Range; partnership sites are Yampi Sound Training Area, under contract with the Commonwealth Department of Defence; and Tableland, Dambimangari and Wilinggin Country, in partnership with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups.
Protecting 580,772 hectares of the iconic Kimberley region, Mornington and Marion Downs contains some of Australia's most spectacular scenery, with massive mesas and dramatic sandstone escarpments overlooking vast savanna woodlands, and a network of tropical rivers carving deep gorges through the ancient landscape. It is a stronghold for many species that are rapidly disappearing elsewhere across northern Australia.
Critical competencies include but are not limited to:

• Working with Traditional Owners and Ranger Groups as required to scope, plan and implement surveys followed by designing, conducting and evaluating monitoring surveys.
• Undertaking and collaborating in research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by AWC's scale and our integration of science and land management.
• Managing a small team of AWC ecologists, interns and volunteers in the field to implement AWC's science program.
• Working with AWC land managers to deliver effective conservation and provide significant input into the design of science programs (monitoring, research, reintroductions) at the sanctuary level.
• Communicating AWC's science program to our partners, Traditional Owners, the scientific community and the public through publications, reports, presentations, participation in workshops, etc.
• Assisting with AWC's communication and fundraising activities.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in ecology and relevant experience (AWC may consider appointment at the Senior Field Ecologist level for suitable candidates with a postgraduate degree and extensive experience).
• Demonstrated capacity in survey design/ planning, scientific reporting/ writing.
• Leadership, team-building and communication skills.
• The capacity to work with a wide range of stakeholders including other scientists, land managers, Indigenous groups, neighbours, government agencies and volunteers.
• An ability to get jobs done on time and within budget.
• Capacity to live and work in a remote area.

The position is offered on a full-time basis and will be based at AWC's Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kimberley, WA. The role has frequent travel between AWC Sanctuaries and partnership areas in the Kimberley with extended periods in the field and a balance of office work.
AWC is a leading employer of conservation ecologists. Our mission is the effective conservation of Australia's wildlife and their habitats. In our work, we are guided by a suite of values including being accountable, informed, respectful, dedicated, innovative and sustainable. AWC's mission is achieved by close collaboration between our Operations, Science and Fundraising teams and this role plays a key part in promoting this approach to all team members. nrmjobs.com.au/job/20020204
Date published:
18-Dec-2023
Closing date:
31-Jan-2024