Director of Applied Conservation

20 hours ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeLeadership Full time $90,000 - $120,000
Conservation Science Leadership

The role of a Conservation Science Director is to lead the development and implementation of conservation strategies, ensuring best-practice, innovation, and measurable impact in threatened species recovery and biodiversity restoration. This position requires a strong background in conservation ecology, with a minimum of 10 years' professional experience and a proven track record in leading complex, multi-stakeholder science or conservation programs.


About the Role:
  • Lead the development and implementation of conservation strategies, ensuring best-practice, innovation, and measurable impact in threatened species recovery and biodiversity restoration.
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, government agencies, First Nations organisations, research institutions, and conservation bodies to position Odonata as a leader in applied conservation science.
  • Oversee scientific integrity across all projects, ensuring data-driven decision-making, rigorous monitoring and evaluation, and transparent reporting to stakeholders.

Requirements:
  • Postgraduate qualifications (preferably PhD) in conservation ecology, zoology, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 10 years' professional experience in conservation ecology, with a preference towards strong field-based experience and subsequent team leadership experience.
  • Proven track record in leading complex, multi-stakeholder science or conservation programs.
  • Experience in translating complex ecological science into policy influence and practical conservation delivery.

Benefits:
  • Regular weekly travel to Odonata-managed sites, primarily Mt Rothwell Sanctuary in Little River, with additional visits to other Victorian locations and occasional interstate travel.
  • Opportunity to work from home and Melbourne office.

Others:

This role includes supervising postgraduate students, early-career researchers, or specialist collaborators. It also involves building a small research-focused team over time, cultivating a hub of scientific inquiry and innovation, and ensuring Odonata's conservation strategies are informed by cutting-edge research and best practice.

  • Leading Conservation Scientist

    2 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeConservation Full time $120,000 - $150,000

    Science DirectorThe Odonata Foundation is seeking a visionary leader to serve as its Science Director.This new position will lead the organisation's conservation science, research, and evidence-based species recovery strategies across all programs and landscapes.The successful candidate will provide intellectual leadership across Odonata's scientific...

  • Conservator Of Textiles

    9 hours ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia National Gallery Of Victoria Full time

    Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3000- Conservation- Full timeRole Statement**VPS 3.2**:$89,292 per annum + 12% superannuation****Full Time, Fixed Term for 12 months (parental leave cover)**The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is seeking a Conservator of Textiles to provide specialist services for the care and conservation of têxtiles in the NGV...

  • Conservator of Textiles

    4 hours ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia National Gallery of Victoria Full time

    VPS 3.2: $89,292 per annum + 12% superannuationFull Time, Fixed Term for 12 months (parental leave cover)Closing date for application: 5pm on 29 September 2025The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is seeking a Conservator of Textiles to provide specialist services for the care and conservation of textiles in the NGV Collection.About the PositionYou will be...

  • Conservator of Textiles

    4 hours ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia National Gallery of Victoria Full time

    VPS 3.2: $89,292 per annum + 12% superannuationFull Time, Fixed Term for 12 months (parental leave cover)Closing date for application: 5pm on 29 September 2025The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is seeking a Conservator of Textiles to provide specialist services for the care and conservation of textiles in the NGV Collection.About the PositionYou will be...

  • Chief Conservation Strategist

    4 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeConservation Full time $120,000 - $160,000

    About this Role:This position serves as a key leadership opportunity within our organisation, focusing on developing and implementing conservation science and species recovery strategies.The successful candidate will provide intellectual leadership across our scientific priorities and have autonomy to build and grow a research-focused team over time. This...

  • Park Conservation Director

    2 weeks ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeEnvironmental Full time $90,000 - $120,000

    Park Leader RoleLand and marine parks and reserves cover over 4 million hectares, managed in partnership with Traditional Owners to safeguard environmental and cultural values. Our parks are home to a diverse range of native plants and animals, attracting over 100 million visits annually.This full-time on-site role is located in Rainbow, VIC, and involves...

  • Science Director

    6 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Odonata Foundation Full time $70,000 - $120,000 per year

    The Science Director is a new position at Odonata, created to lead the organisation's conservation science, research, and evidence-based species recovery strategies across all programs and landscapes.About the roleThe Science Director will provide intellectual leadership across Odonata's scientific priorities and will have the autonomy to build and grow a...

  • Cultural Heritage Conservator

    5 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeHeritage Full time $97,955 - $111,142

    Job Opportunity:Heritage OfficerThis role is a significant opportunity to contribute to the conservation and management of Victoria's most important heritage places. The position requires a high level of knowledge, expertise and passion for heritage conservation.As a Heritage Officer, you will be responsible for delivering various projects and programs that...

  • Plant Conservation Specialist

    5 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia beBeeHorticulture Full time $64,324 - $71,161

    About the RoleThe Royal Botanic Gardens Board is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to join its Nursery team at Cranbourne Gardens.This fixed-term, full-time position will play a key role in delivering nursery activities and supporting the RBGV bushfire recovery program.As part of this role, you will provide technical support for targeted plant production,...

  • Science Director

    2 days ago

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Odonata Foundation Full time

    3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsOverviewThe Science Director is a new position at Odonata, created to lead the organisation's conservation science, research, and evidence-based species recovery strategies across all programs and landscapes.About the roleThe Science Director will provide intellectual leadership across Odonata's scientific...