Wildlife Ecologist

About Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)

AWC is a globally recognized conservation leader tackling landscape restoration and championing Australia's wildlife protection. Driven by science, the organization focuses on creating significant conservation outcomes to safeguard endangered species. United by their dedication, AWC endeavors to protect Australia's unique animals and habitats, aiming to foster a world where biodiversity is actively valued and preserved by an engaged community.

The organization's success depends on collaboration, high performance, effective leadership, and shared values encompassing accountability, knowledge-based action, respect, commitment, innovation, and sustainability.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Senior Ecologist in the National Science Team, the Wildlife Ecologist will contribute to AWC's science initiatives within the Threatened Species and Conservation Planning team. Responsibilities include supporting conservation planning for threatened and priority species on AWC-managed lands and partnerships, assisting reintroduction efforts, and participating in species management broadly. The role also involves contributing to nationwide scientific activities related to land acquisition prioritization, partnerships, research, ecological monitoring, and climate adaptation strategies.

Key Competencies

• Demonstrated dedication to wildlife conservation through education, professional work, or relevant engagement.
• Experience with threatened species management, including understanding factors driving declines and conservation planning approaches.
• Advanced knowledge of Australian fauna, ecosystems, associated threats, and mitigation strategies, with experience collaborating with land managers on conservation land management planning.
• Strong ecological field and research expertise, including knowledge of ecological literature, experimental design, vertebrate ecology, statistical data analysis, and proficiency with relevant software tools.
• Effective task prioritization and organizational capabilities to manage diverse responsibilities efficiently.
• Leadership skills to coordinate and inspire teams, including overseeing staff and volunteers in remote environments.
• Collaborative aptitude to engage with diverse stakeholders—colleagues, partners, traditional owners, and communities—bringing expertise and openness to shared learning.
• Excellent scientific communication for writing and reviewing reports, grant applications, and disseminating conservation knowledge to both scientific and general audiences.
• Ability to manage project finances, ensure compliance with contracts, and deliver cost-effective outcomes.
• Resourcefulness and problem-solving skills to develop practical solutions when resources are limited.
• Willingness to travel and conduct extensive fieldwork as required by the position.

Qualifications and Experience

• Doctorate (PhD) in ecology, conservation, or a related field.
• Professional experience in conservation or relevant sectors is highly valued.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid manual driver's license with competency in 4WD driving under field conditions is mandatory.

Diversity and Inclusion

AWC fosters an inclusive and welcoming workplace encouraging applications from individuals of First Nations and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ community members, neurodivergent individuals, and those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The organization values a variety of perspectives and strives to create an environment where everyone can express their authentic selves.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Australia to be considered.