Operations Manager

About Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)

AWC is a pragmatic global conservation leader, restoring landscapes and providing hope for Australian wildlife. Guided by science, AWC delivers measurable conservation impacts at scale to secure the future of our most endangered species.

At AWC we are inspired by the unparalleled richness of Australia's wildlife and united by our determination to protect its unique animals and landscapes. Our mission is to effectively conserve all Australian wildlife and habitats with a vision that Australia's biodiversity is valued and effectively conserved by an engaged community. Collaboration across teams and strong, effective leadership are essential to our work.

Our values are: accountability, being informed, respect, dedication, innovation and sustainability.

Role: Operations Manager – Charnley River / Artesian Range (CRAR) WA

The Operations Manager reports to the Regional Operations Manager and is responsible for managing on-ground operations at CRAR, located on Wilinggin Country, and for implementing AWC's partnerships program with the Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation across their Indigenous Protected Area under Exclusive Native Title. The role collaborates with Senior Ecologists and the Wilinggin team to deliver effective conservation across the Charnley River – Artesian Range (301,000 hectares) and the Wilinggin Partnership Area (1,793,000 hectares).

Key success metrics include: populations/indicators of key species; reduction of threatening processes (wildfire, feral animals, invasive weeds); partner collaboration and engagement; cost efficiency; and program compliance. The level of on-ground activity includes feral animal and weed control, fire management and partnership engagement, measured and reported regularly.

You will lead CRAR and Wilinggin Conservation Teams, ensuring alignment between land management, science and partnership activities as part of a national AWC approach. You will also lead engagement with partners, stakeholders and supporters and contribute to the organisation's communications program.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and lead on-ground conservation activities (feral control, weed management, fire management) within budget and according to science-based strategies.
• Direct resources and personnel (staff, rangers, contractors and volunteers) across remote locations and quality-assure deliverables.
• Collaborate with Senior Ecologists to integrate land management, science and partnerships.
• Engage and advocate with partners, stakeholders and supporters; contribute to communications efforts.
• Manage finances within budget, prepare reports, and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with permits, reporting, and contract management; maintain records and data.
• Lead living and working in remote areas, including supervision of geographically dispersed teams.
• Utilise IT tools and GIS; adopt new software solutions as needed.

Qualifications and experience

• Formal qualifications in a relevant discipline are advantageous but practical on-ground experience and a track record of delivering results are valued higher.
• Demonstrated experience delivering on-ground land management programs in collaboration with partners.
• Strong planning and organisational skills; ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills for remote teams, including recruitment and development.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication with diverse stakeholders (Indigenous partners, communities, government agencies, scientific community, NGOs).
• Experience in planned burning, wildfire suppression, feral eradication, and weed management; familiarity with asset management and major remote infrastructure projects.
• Financial management abilities: budgeting, coding/tracking expenditure, and producing financial/operational reports.
• Ability to work with standard business software (Word, Excel, MS Projects, GIS) and willingness to adopt Fulcrum, and Asset Panda.
• Willingness to travel; a passion for conservation; remote-area living experience preferred.

Licenses, certificates and training

• Valid manual driver's licence; validity for agricultural machinery licences as relevant (or capacity to obtain).
• Remote Senior First Aid certificate (or capacity to obtain).
• Current Police clearance certificate; valid firearms licence (highly desirable).

Other notes

The role involves fieldwork in remote locations, often outdoors in extreme weather, with potential periods of office work for planning and supervision. Physical capability may be required for lifting, carrying and other tasks. You will view the detailed position description and may be asked to start screening applicants early in the recruitment process. Initial enquiries should be directed to and applications via the online form should include a CV and covering letter addressing the critical competencies.

How to apply

Click Apply and follow prompts to submit an online application with your CV and covering letter addressing the critical competencies.

Eligibility and equal opportunity

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents or have suitable visa arrangements (sponsorship is not available). Pre-employment checks may include police clearance, online medical and a values-based assessment. AWC is an inclusive organisation welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia. Details on privacy policy are available at the AWC website.

Job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing

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