Regional Ecologist

~ Help shape the future of private sector conservation in Central and South Australia ~_

Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is one of the world’s largest private conservation organisations. We deliver effective conservation across AWC wildlife sanctuaries and properties managed in partnership with other entities (currently 6.6 M ha), and we influence conservation outcomes over a broader area through other partnership arrangements, including 6.1 M ha of pastoral land managed by NAPCo. With a focus on practical land management, informed by world-class science, AWC is implementing a dynamic new model for conservation.

Currently, AWC manages seven properties in Central and South Australia, that collectively span over 1 M ha:

- Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary (Northern Territory),
- Ngalurrtju (a partnership with Traditional Owners of the Ngalurrtju Aboriginal Land Trust, Northern Territory),
- Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary (South Australia),
- Buckaringa Wildlife Sanctuary (South Australia),
- Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary (South Australia),
- Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary (South Australia),
- Western River Refuge (a partnership with local landholders and conservation groups to protect threatened species on Kangaroo Island, South Australia).

AWC runs a nationally-significant reintroduction program in the region, with feral predator-free ‘safe havens’ established on three properties: Newhaven, Yookamurra and Western River Refuge. In addition, the wildlife sanctuaries and partnership sites are important for conserving extant native species and their habitats.

The Regional Ecologist is a senior position in AWC, reporting to the Chief Science Officer. Working closely with AWC’s national science team, the Regional Ecologist has primary responsibility for the development, implementation and communication of AWC’s science program at our properties in Central and South Australia. The position requires a high level of expertise in managing a conservation science program, excellent leadership, people management, project management and communication skills. The Regional Ecologist must be strongly motivated to make a substantial difference in nature conservation, working in the private nature conservation sector, and assist in the development of AWC’s conservation model.

High level responsibilities of the position include:

- Overseeing the development, implementation and reporting of AWC’s science program in Central-South Australia, the major components of which are:

- identification of high conservation-value land for acquisition or partnership
- monitoring and evaluation of ecological health on AWC properties
- research addressing major knowledge gaps in conservation, and
- the reintroduction of locally-extinct species.
- Providing leadership to AWC ecologists in the region
- Contributing to the development of AWC’s national science program and to AWC policies
- Contributing specialist expertise in conservation science and related fields to advance AWC’s mission
- Working with AWC’s land managers to develop, implement and report on strategies for managing wildfire, pest animals, weeds and other threats on AWC properties in the region
- Developing productive relationships with government agencies, NRM and conservation organisations Indigenous groups, the regional community, external researchers and other stakeholders
- Promoting AWC’s mission and values amongst AWC staff, partners and stakeholders in our projects
- Assisting with AWC’s communication and fundraising activities.

The Regional Ecologist will be based at Adelaide, SA, or at a location agreed with AWC’s Chief Science Officer that will allow effective implementation of the role. The position is largely office-based, with periods of time in the field, developing and managing programs and staff, and liaising with partners and stakeholders.

**_ This position is offered as a parental leave cover, 12-month fixed term contract commencing the beginning of April 2023. _**

This is a rare opportunity to join Australia’s largest non-government conservation organisation at a senior manager level in the science program, and help shape the future of private sector conservation in Australia.

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